Rookie wins Solitaire du Figaro prologue

Light wind warm-up off Perros Guirec prior to Sunday's start

The Eric Bompard Cashmere Prologue race for La Solitaire du Figaro got underway at at 17:41 on a course shortened to 2 miles from the original 7.2 due to the lack of wind. The race was ultimately won by rookie Solitaire sailor, Alexis Littoz-Baritel aboard Savoie-Mont Blanc, who led for the last mile of the course. The rookies or 'bizuth' first timers were well represented at the front of the fleet.

In the light variable breeze that barely reached 5 knots, the solo skipper had to remain alert even to get off the start line. The fleet of 47 Figaro Beneteaus spread out the race coursee off Perros Guirec hoping the wind would fill in from the east. While most chose the committee boat end of the start line, supposedly the favoured side, those who remained closer to the pin and shore side made the greatest gains. The turning tide and light northeasterly breeze made for a complicated race start causing one general recall.

The leaders then made their way round the marks off Perros Guirec harbour before reaching out to the Trestignel headland where the leading pack comprised Alexis Littoz-Baritel (Savoie-Mont Blanc), Charlie Dalin (Keopsys) and Frédéric Duthil (Sepalumic) followed by Yoann Richomme (DLBC), Paul Meilhat (MACIF 2011) and Eric Peron (MACIF 2009), Laurent Pellecuer (Atelier d'architecture Jean-Pierre Monnier)...

Two miles into the race, the weakening breeze and more importantly, the effects of the cross currents, caused the race committee to decide on shortening course at the Pierre Chenal mark, 2.5 miles into the race. Here the 2011 French match racing champion, Alexis Littoz-Baritel was followed closely behind by Eric Drougalzet (Luisina), Frédéric Duthil, Charlie Dalin and Eric Peron to finish first on the Eric Bompard Cachemire Prologue on his maiden Solitaire participation.

Leading the British entry was Conrad Humphreys on DMS, who finished tenth overall.

Results: 

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