The sheet between the teeth

This descent of the Spanish coast is so long. In erratic winds and a very smooth sea, the sailors are patient, but always with a sheet and the helm in hand. In the latest ranking, Hugo Cardon (Sarth'Atlantique) has regained his leading position, which he lost yesterday after rounding Cape Finisterre. He is followed 0.3 miles behind by Charlotte Yven (Skipper Macif 2023), who is not giving up anything and is putting on a real display of perseverance. With 33 miles still to go, this leg will leave its mark on what comes next. The first sailors are expected in Vigo from 5 p.m.

Since the last checkpoint at 7:00 this morning, the fleet of 33 sailors still in the race, following the stoppage of Anaëlle Pattush (Humains en Action) in La Coruña, has been desperately trying to make headway south to reach the finish line in Vigo, Spain. Two options have emerged: the first along the coast to benefit from a little more pressure; the second, in the west, to also seek out the wind that is giving the skippers a hard time. At the moment, the western group seems to be benefiting from a little more pressure and has managed a slight shift that allows them to glimpse the possibility of making landfall in a few hours. At the 1:00 pm checkpoint, Hugo Cardon (Sarth'Atlantique) is still leading the fleet, 33 miles from the finish. This young skipper from Le Mans is making his first Solitaire du Figaro Paprec here. He is sailing without any hang-ups, but the fatigue is starting to build up a little too much.

"Charlotte and I had a fierce duel right up to the finish line. It was really interesting to do that with her. I didn't think the others would catch up to us so quickly. That was a lot less fun. Personally, I burned too much energy at the start of the race. I thought it was over with Cape Finisterre, but this morning I woke up with Charlotte by my side and in a good position, which is a pretty good sign. I think I had a kind of blackout last night. I didn't manage my sleep well. I'm a bit lacking in speed experience, however, I think I'm doing pretty well with my positioning, and so I'm managing to make a difference there. For now, it's working pretty well, and I hope it will last until the end."

Fifteenth at the 4 a.m. time this morning, Charlotte Yven (Skipper Macif 2023) isn't letting herself be fooled. Through tacks, maneuvers, and tactics, Charlotte, also opting to head west, has moved back into the lead and is currently 0.3 miles behind Hugo.

"I'm trying to take advantage of the slightest breeze to move forward, but it's really not easy. I'm starting to feel tired. I hope to have a bit of luck too. I can't wait to get there," confides Charlotte.

On the other hand, the pursuers of this western option are coming back strongly and reducing the gap. The battle for the final miles will be engaged. Alexis Loison (Groupe REEL), Victor Le Pape (Région Bretagne – CMB Espoir), Thomas de Dinechin (Almond for Pure Ocean), Arno Biston (Article.1) are neck and neck.

To the east, only Romain Bouillard (Décrochons la Lune) and Davy Beaudart (Hellowork) are attempting the coast. Romain is currently third and seems to be benefiting from the same conditions as in the west. The very steep terrain of the coast north of Vigo is a double-edged sword. Romain will have to exercise the utmost caution to find the saving wind.

At the center of these two options are eleven Figaro players who also hope to be the first to emerge victorious. Alexis Thomas (Wings of the Ocean) leads the way, alongside Maël Garnier (Selencia Cerfrance) and Oliver Hill (Connected by Water).

The first are expected in Vigo around 5 p.m. The sailors will be able to see immense satisfaction and a sense of having successfully mastered this stage.