La Rochelle, Las Palmas, de Gran Canaria, Le Marin

New edition, new organizer, new race course!

Starting from La Rochelle the minis will have to leave the « pertuis d’Antioche » and pass north of Oleron Island before heading in the famous bay of Biscay. Then, they’ll have to round Cape Finistere in Spain before sliding down the Portugal coast. Depending on the weather forecast the first half of this leg can be the most important of the transat. From south Portugal to Gran Canaria winds are generally north for a downwind finish.

On the second leg, starting from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the first traps to avoid are the huge relief of the island breaking the wind. The first goal will be to catch the trade winds generally blowing from the north east till the finishing line. But the trade winds are not exactly the gentle breeze they are supposed to be: squalls and gusts are frequent, calms often appear, and sailors have to manage with any wind shift.

Arrival in Le Marin bay, will most probably welcome exhausted solo sailors.

All ingredients joined together for a fantastic 2017 edition !