Transat Jacques Vabre 2021: Ultimes reach Martinique

The Ultim trimaran Maxi Edmond de Rothschild co-skippered by Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier arrived in Martinique after 16 days, 1 hour, 49 minutes and 16 seconds. They were followed by SVR - Lazartigue in less than 8 hours. Third place went to Banque Populaire XI. 

Maxi Edmond de Rothschild went into the race as favourites, and they led 98% of the race. They had to cover the theoretical 7,500 miles from Le Havre with an average speed of 20.51 knots. In reality, they covered 9,262.13 miles at 24.01 knots. 

The experienced Charles Caudrelier and Franck Cammas crossed the finish line in Fort de France on Tuesday at 10:16am local time. They had raced and tested their boat many times. 

“We didn’t make any mistakes, the boat behaved well. We’ve been racing hard for 17 days and we’ve arrived with a boat that’s 100% up to scratch. In relation to the competition, we didn’t know what it would be like and our confidence has grown day by day.” -Franck Cammas, skipper at Maxi Edmond de Rothschild. 

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A brand new boat in this Transat Jacques Vabre

SVR-Lazartigue had set out this double-handed transatlantic race with a brand new boat, and their objective was to get to their destination safely. However, ending in second-place is a huge achievement for them. 

“It feels like a victory. A few months ago, we didn’t even know we would be racing. This morning was crazy, I was crying at the helm, it was so beautiful. There is a great winner up front, but behind us we fought hard.” -François Gabart, SVR-Lazartigue skipper. 

Banque Populaire XI came in third place. On board were French ocean racer veterans Armel Le Cléac’h and Kevin Escoffier. Their maxi-trimaran launched only seven months ago, so it is incredible they managed to keep up the pace set by their rivals and finish in third spot. 

The leading IMOCAs are due in the island of Martinique on Thursday, and the Class 40 is making good progress across the Atlantic Ocean. The IMOCA fleet is spread across the north-east coast of South America. 

LinkedOut is 150 miles ahead of Apivia, who is looking back over their stern where Charal sits only 55 miles behind. Moreover, the fight for fourth place is tight. There is little separation between Initiatives Coeur and Arkea-Paprec.

Class 40

Only 75 miles separate the first ten boats in Class 40 in the 2021 Transat Jacques Vabre race. Redman keeps holding its lead 23 miles ahead of the defending title holder Ian Lipinski on Credit Mutuel. 

In 11th place, Britons Brian Thompson and Alistair Richardson are doing better after struggling with the boat’s electronics throughout the race. This includes their autopilot, forcing them to steer manually most of the time.  

“We’ve had to ration food and water because we only had enough for 20 days and it’s looking like it will take 22 or 23 days. It’s very hot below deck and so we’re unable to spend any length of time down there. We’re pushing hard and hoping to make up some more places before the finish.” -Tquila