Roxy update

Training camp for Transat AG2R team mates Sam Davies and Alexia Barrier

Hello everyone!

Now we are at the end of February, we are well into the training and preparation for the Transat AG2R. The Transatlantic race starts from Concarneau on 9 February and we race non-stop to St Barts (in the Caribbean.) We will be at sea for about three weeks!

So, training - what does that entail?

We are lucky to be part of the team 'Finistere Course au Large' - which is an elite squad of solo offshore sailors based in Port La Foret. We benefit from the facilities, coaches, training program and top level skippers to train with.

Our intense training started at the beginning of February, with one week on the water, then the following week more based in the classroom, plus physical training in the gym, the pool, running and the mountain bike! Last week was again on the water:

Monday: Sail testing - all the sailmakers come with their test sails and we try out and work with the sailmakers to perfect the design of our sail for the next race.
Monday pm: climbing - at the local school - two hours of intense activity on a HUGE climbing wall!
Monday during dinner (lots of PASTA!!): preparation of the weather forecast and the navigation for Tuesdays training.

Tuesday: On the water at 11.30. Warm up on windward-leeward course, then solo man-overboard practice (with fender and bucket - even the Bretons are not crazy enough to make us jump in the water when it is snowing!) We manage that okay, even in 25 knots! Safety is extremely important in our sport. Then 35 nm 'round the Glenans' training race. More offshore than usual, to work on boat speed and sailing in waves (wind up to 38 knots!) We finish the race at 19.30!! (in the dark.)

Wednesday: 09.30 - debrief from Tuesday, with video, photos, MaxSea track analysis etc. Plus short 'seminar' on autopilot technique. On the water, after usual warm-up, two shorter 'round the cans' races to work on manoeuvres, crew work, starting, etc. Wind is a bit lighter, but it is still knackering!

Thursday: 09.30 - debrief (as Weds.) One 'round the cans' race, with lots of short legs, manoeuvres - specialising on reach-to-reach spinnaker gybing!
Thursday evening - recuperation physio.

Friday: 09.30 - debrief. Followed by briefing for speed tests.
On the water - speed testing - two/three boat testing with one Zodiac and coach per group. Unfortunately the wind is 30 knots, gusting 40, so it is difficult! We learn some useful info from 3 runs, then Alex and I leave the group to go and benefit from the strong wind to test out our storm jib sheeting angles, leech line etc!



Above: That’s us - well, we’re not winning, but sometimes you have to learn the hard way! By the way - in the lead is Jeremie Beyou (winner of La Solitaire 2005) with Vincent Riou (winner of Vendee Globe) and second is Yann Elies (holder of the Trophee Jules Verne)!!!! We train at the TOP!!!


Saturday: afternoon - fully crewed racing. Seven short windward-leewards!

Next week is more technical! Monday is in the classroom learning about electronics, autopilots, gremlins (!), how to fix problems, how to get the best out of our instruments. Likewise for Wednesday and Thursday, when we will be studying the weather with Jean-Yves Bernot (specifically concentrating on the route for the Transat and for the Solitaire.)

And during the rest of the week we have a long job-list on our little 'Roxy' - mostly preparations to get her into the perfect configuration for a Transatlantic. There is safety equipment to check, food and water to calculate and prepare, technical equipment to service or replace, sails to design and order...

Also, Monday night is the gym, Tuesday midday swimming training, Weds am mountain biking, Thursday midday running...

And Tuesday at 1800h we have the presentation and press conference for the Transat AG2R at the CCI in Quimper.

And, at some point this week, we have to find a weather window of sunshine and good wind to go out and do a photo-shoot with Roxy looking fast, shiny and clean!

Below: Sam Davies (left) shows off her new wardrobe with Alexia Barrier.