The Rolex Fastnet Race kicked off in Cowes yesterday at 12.40pm, French time, and from the very first miles it was a spectacular sight on the Solent, the famous arm of the sea that separates the Isle of Wight from the south of England.
As soon as they left, the 23 Class40s set off westwards, skirting the south coast of England in an unstable wind, ideal for strategic moves, notably Cédric Chateau aboard Sogestran - Seafrigo, who headed out of the Solent with Milan Kolacek on Inland Roots Ocean Soul.
At the head of the fleet, the match is particularly close between the crew of Corentin Douguet on Faites un don sur SNSM.ORG and the crew of Class40 Les Invincibles led by Pietro Luciani. The gaps remain minimal, and every maneuver can make the difference. Just a few miles behind, Thimothé Polet on Zeiss and Pep Costa on VSF Sports remain in contact, ready to seize the slightest opportunity to catch up with the leading duo.
At this stage of the race, two groups are beginning to take shape, with a leading pack and a second group trying to catch up in a transition zone marked by light winds. This strategic configuration could evolve further as the fleet approaches Land's End.
Competitors should soon be rounding this cape at the south-western tip of England, before heading north-west to the mythical Fastnet Rock in the south of Ireland.
The strategic battle has only just begun, and everything is still to play for in this demanding race, which once again promises to be exciting right to the end.
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