Ruyant first home

Faber France reaches Salvador de Bahia and the finish line of the Mini Transat

Thomas Ruyant on his Finot-Conq designed Proto, Faber France has just won the second leg of The Charente Maritime-Bahia Transat 6.50. Finishing at 09:18:34 GMT this morning, his leg two, between Funchal and Bahia, took 18 days 20 hours and 16 minutes long at an average speed of 6.92 knots.

He was 3 hours 00 minutes and 35 seconds behind Bertrand Delesne's Entreprendre Durablement on the first leg into Funchal. At the finish in Salvador de Bahia, Ruyant was 43 miles ahead of Delesne. So Ruyant is looking in a strong position to be the overall winner of The Charente Maritime-Bahia Transat 6.50.

His time over the two legs is 24 days 23 hours and 38 minutes at an average speed of 7.14 knots.

"I do not like it too much and I do not know what to say in those moments," said an elated Ruyant after he docked. "It was a great feeling when I crossed the finish line. A great moment of happiness."

After downing a caïpirinha, Ruyant spoke about his race: "The difference is that I worked on it for two years. I stayed in contact with Schipman and Delesne and it was really nice. We spoke over VHF. But it is so difficult this Transat. Crossing the Atlantic on such boats is far from effortless."

"I also talked every day to my boat. I know her qualities and imperfections. She answered all my expectations.

"I really took risks in the Doldrums. I was constantly at the helm saying, now you will figh, and after you will rest. I really did not let go. I sometimes used my spinnaker even when I encountered a squall. At this point I gradually widened the gap. Then I made the crossing [of the Doldrums] at top speed by helming almost all the time.

"Now, what I want is to eat well, be with family and friends and... sleep on my stomach!"

Meanwhile the overall competition is hotting up in the Series class. Charlie Dalin continues to lead while leg one winner Francisco Lobato is falling behind. At the 1100 sched Dalin was 94 miles ahead of Lobato with 288 miles left to go to reach Salvador de Bahia. Lobato has a 22 hour advantage over Dalin following his monumental performance on leg one into Madeira. If Lobato continues to slow down, Dalin now stands a small chance of winning the Series class overall.