Circumnavigating the globe alone, on a giant…
In January 2024, fifty years after the pioneer Alain Colas, the Ultims trimarans will set off for their first solo round-the-world race. A challenge that lives up to its name: the Ultime!
Image
Image
Image
1
/
1
Publié le
30/03/2023
Par
François Trégouët
Numéro :
189
Parution :
May.
/
Jun.
2023
To win the Arkéa Ultim Challenge - Brest, you’re going to need a bit of luck... And to have a chance of breaking the record, you’ll need a perfect weather pattern. The start, set for January 7, 2024 at the tip of Brittany, in the heart of winter, could prove to be tough from the outset. As long as it is downwind, it would be ideal to reach the equator quickly. While the passage through the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), better known as the Doldrums, is more pleasant in terms of temperatures, the erratic winds and capricious squalls that characterize this region will test the sailors’ nerves to the limit. The descent, often quite to the west of the South Atlantic, along the Brazilian coast to escape the St. Helena High, is perhaps the least stressful passage, although one must remain vigilant when it comes to choosing the right moment before changing course to the east. Once caught in one of the many lows that circle Antarctica, it is important to stay ahead of it as long as possible, to pass the Cape of Good Hope first, and then then Cape Leeuwin. During a world record race, the sailors are free to choose their route and can cut it as short as possible by descending very low in latitude. During the race, to limit the risks of encountering drifting ice, the organizers have set «ice limits» below which the skippers must not venture. But there is no alternative when it comes to the dreaded Cape Horn, as the passage is located at 56 degrees South. Once back in the Atlantic, the pressure often drops. However, the journey is far from over and remains full of challenges right up to the end, as the winter lows will still be sweeping across Europe.
You could probably count on the fingers of one hand the number of candidates who are both willing and able to take part in this first edition. Charles Caudrelier (Maxi Edmond de Rothschild), Thomas Coville (Sodebo), Armel le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire) and Anthony Marchand (Actual) are almost certain to be at the start. If François Gabart (SVR- Lazartigue) resolves his dispute with the Ultim class, (which is in everyone’s interest), he would make a fine fifth candidate. Finally, the previous Actual, sailed in the Route du Rhum by Arthur Le Vaillant, has been chartered by Eric Péron, who is still looking for financing. That would make a maximum of six boats on the starting line. How many will cross the finish line? The answer to that question is even less obvious. But even if there is only one, it will certainly enter the sailing hall of fame.
