Finisterrian upheaval

Firmly clinging to their first and second places in this second leg of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, it was only logical that Hugo Cardon (Sarth'Atlantique) and Charlotte Yven (Skipper Macif 2023) were the first to cross the obligatory passage gate, off Cape Finisterre. The story could have ended there, but that was without taking into account the determination and opportunism of the pursuers. As soon as this mark was passed, a burst of speed allowed Romain Bouillard (Décrochons la lune) to take first place in the ranking.

It was like a swarm of bees that the fleet swooped down on its prey. The victims were the two leaders, Hugo Cardon (Sarth'Atlantique) and Charlotte Yven (Skipper Macif 2023), who, just after the compulsory gate, were unable to resist this comeback. On a decidedly calm and dark stretch of water, on a virtually moonless night, it was difficult to find the right vein of wind, to gauge the competition and to catch a light sleep. The final battle is on, the cards have been reshuffled and with around fifty miles still to go, it's safe to say that this final day of the second leg of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec still has many twists and turns in store.

Hugo Cardon first at the crossing point

At the obligatory passage point off Cape Finisterre, Hugo Cardon snatched first place by eleven seconds from Charlotte Yven and Tom Goron, 33 minutes later. Alexis Loison (Groupe REEL), winner of the first stage, was 1 hour and 10 seconds behind.

It's going east for Décrochons la lune

At the 7 a.m. time, Romain Bouillard (Décrochons la lune), under a final crescent moon, is leading the fleet at 2.6 knots along the coast. Oliver Hill (Connected by Water), second, is hot on Romain's heels. The English skipper is having an excellent finish to the race. He is being followed in his race by Paul Morvan (French Touch – Foricher). With slightly more pressure along the coast, the supporters of this route are enjoying better speed than the western group and are making headway a knot faster. The next few hours and positioning will be decisive for the landing in Vigo.

During this morning's radio broadcast, the sailors' voices are hesitant and tired, and their speeches are becoming less clear. Clarity will be crucial for the end of the race.

They said:

Tom Goron (Dubreuil Group):

"I tried to make a pass between the two, but I have the impression that it's going better offshore. After two sleepless nights maneuvering in the calm, things are starting to pull well. We'll see if the leaders have time to cross the intermediate line, we'll see if it's back home or if we continue sailing to Vigo."

Thomas de Dinechin (Almond for Pure Ocean):

"This last night on the water was complicated with a lot of maneuvers, a lot of tension, it's very random, we don't really know how it's going to end. I tell myself that the part we're in control of, I did really well, but now we have to hang on until the end so as not to be disappointed with our race. I'm doing with what I have, I feel confident. We have to try to convert the try."

Arno Biston (Article 1):

“In Solitaire, you must never give up. It always comes back, it always ends up coming back, or at least there are always things to play for. And now we're in the real world because all the boats are grouped together in three miles. Clearly, we don't know what we're going to get. I'm trying to make the most of it, but I don't know where to position myself. Everyone has amazing trajectories. This is a stage where mentality plays a big role. I still have the impression of missing out on the weather and missing out on things.”