Charlie Dalin leads the way in thrilling start to The Transat CIC race

Imoca: Dalin as an opener

Under the sun and with enough wind to make the foilers fly, the 33 Imoca took off towards New York. After an impressive start from Paul Meilhat, Jérémie Beyou and Charlie Dalin quickly took a few steps ahead. In a south-westerly wind of around twelve knots, they accelerated south of Groix before turning to the north-west.

There has been no competition since the end of last year (he was absent from racing for medical reasons), skipper Macif Prévoyance Santé was leading the fleet strongly a little after the start. The first night should be pleasant enough to get your bearings before things get difficult. Yannick Bestaven explained before his departure: “What will be interesting in terms of strategy is that there are a number of moves. It will take some playing.” And the game will get difficult very quickly because on Monday night, the competitors will meet their first downfall.

Class 40: Amélie Grassi and the boys…

As for the 40s Class, Ian Lipinski was the fastest on the starting line followed like his shadow by the only woman in the fleet, Amélie Grassi, who was in the lead after an hour of racing before giving up it to Nicolas d’Estais. But behind them, we had to keep an eye on the two Italians (Ambrogio Beccaria and Alberto Bona). The fight started very strong. Fabien Delahaye analyzed before leaving the pontoons: “The starting route goes through the eastern side of the island of Groix to go on one side. Then, the weather will take us to the west of Ireland to rule the first front. He’s likely to be quick and therefore enthusiastic.”