Morvan wins prologue

A report from the Solitaire du Figaro in Perros-Guirec

Last night the 46 skippers competing in the 36th running of La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro took part in the Prologue Afflelou race. This warm-up event was the sailors' last chance to test their boat, each other prior to Sunday's start proper.

The Afflelou Prologue took place in the pretty bay of Perros-Guirec on the north Brittany coast, known as the Côtes d’Armor. The short race started just after 18h30 local time.

Winning the Prologue race is meant to bring bad luck in the overall race. However prior to the race Marc Emig skipper of Total said he was willing to tempt fate. “I have done my maths and know that one day a Prologue race winner will win La Solitaire - it is just a matter of statistics!” However Skandia's Sam Davies was not taking any chances. “What they say is true: you must not win, it brings bad luck!" Sam also has a personal superstition: “I never take bananas on board. When the maxi yacht Skandia lost her keel in the Sydney-Hobart, they found a banana cake on board...”

Stress levels are high. With Sunday’s start imminent the pressure is mounting for the skippers. For Italian Pietro d’Ali, leg winner and 7th overall in the Generali Solo this year, it is continual study of the tides and current patterns for northwest Britanny and Sunday’s weather forcast. The skipper of Nanni Diesel is aiming for a top spot in the Bizoth (or rookie) class but also for the “best place possible” in the overall results. “The build-up to the race is the most stressful, even when the boat and skipper are prepared, which is my case," he says. "In fact, I know that the stress will go after Sunday’s start”. As to being superstitious? “I am not superstitious, if I can win it I will. It is above all a great opportunity to test the boat, get the feeling back two days before the big start”.

Despite the hype, come the Afflelou Prologue, Gildas Morvan skipper of Cercle Vert, cruised across the line to take victory. Morvan, who has finished third in the Solitaire du Figaro on three occasions, appears to have done the same maths as Marc Emig and plans to defy the history of the race. However we will not learn th final answer until the finish in Port Bourgenay, at the end of four legs.

Two years ago Morvan was leading the prologue when he chose to tack just before crossing the finish to give victory to th boat behind.

Australian sailor-elf Liz Wardley brought her boat Sojasun across the line in 19th place, followed 'rookie' German Jorg Riechers in 23rd place while Sam Davies on Skandia finished 27th and Italian Pietro d’Ali sailing on Nanni Diesel was 37th of the 45 skippers.

11 boats had individual recalls all continued to race, suffering a 1 hour penalty, but reaching the harbour in Perros-Guriec in time for the closing lock gate.

Top three results:
1. Gildas Morvan - Cercle Vert
2.Laurent Pellecuer - Cliptol Sport
3. Armel Tripon - Gedimat