17 November, 2013 17:41

One after the other competitors in the Mini Transat approaching Lanzarote Puerto Calero, failed to stop this issue. Nevertheless, the Calero family, marina staff remains on the alert watching for any pit stops, inaugurated this morning by Nicolas Boidevezi ( Nature Addicts ). Accept losing noon to better regain thereafter, this is one of the dilemmas that arise competitors before the big crossing.

That is, they are … While passing the door of Puerto Calero represents only a quarter of the total distance of the Mini Transat, its symbolic dimension is high. This is the beginning of the highway winds, one of the last opportunities to stop before hitting nearly two weeks at sea with no escape.

This is also the time for decisions: choice of route first. Is it better to put in its way south to go in search of a stronger trade winds, better established. On the other hand, is not it more profitable to try to win closest to the direct route. For information only, competitors have only weather reports provided by the organization that allow them to position the major centers of action and determine their strategy for the coming days.

Investing on a road

Istic for this route is a kind of initiation test: the last ten years, the paths crossing the Atlantic led to Brazil. Even for repeat offenders, so this is a new deal that should be faced. Only the shopping experience as the annual Atlantic crossings of the Figaro circuit riders can give them some clues. If we rely on simple statistics, winning in the south seems to be more reasonable. But these crossings take place in the spring and not on the edge of winter. So we have to choose sides and know how to be opportunistic.

Losing to win more?

Second element of choice: stop at Puerto Calero or continue his journey. The Regulation provides that any call should last a minimum 12 hours and maximum 72. Twelve hours stop at the level of a crossing of the Atlantic are not irreparable. Which one is better? Present with a boat on top of potential left to lose half a day or feel that minor injuries are manageable at sea and do not deserve a call? Added to this, the psychological factor may be decisive. After four days of racing where the lonely have done well shake the temptation to stop can be poisonous. The risk of losing the rhythm is real and want to return can quickly wane. We must have the desire to cross deep in the body and be aware of ability to bounce to decide on a pit stop. If Nicolas Boidevezi is already in port, others have announced their intention to stop to repair such as David Genest ( Bingo ), Raphaela Le Gouvello ( respectocean.com ), Yoann Tricault ( Schlüter Systems ), Erwan Pellen ( Mordilou ) or Julien sprayer ( MEXT – ICA ). In contrast, others have made the opposite choice to stay in pace with the competition as Simon Koster ( Go 4 it ) who will climb the mast to work on the air or Rémi Fermin ( Boreal ). Clinging to a great fifth place in prototype, Remi is also the architect and builder of the boat decided, despite the failure of the fuel cell to continue his journey, trusting to its solar panels. It has taken him a tenacity uncommon to be present at the start, this is not some material contingencies that will stop his quest.