Series class victory for Benoit Mariette

First boats reached Funchal around midnight in the Mini Transat

This morning the first ten boats have arrived in Funchal in the Charente Maritime-Bahia Transat 6.50's Series class.

Victory was taken by Benoit Mariette on the 2005-built Finot-Conq designed Pogo 2 Odalys Vacances, who arrived at 23:48 UTC.

His race time between La Rochelle and Funchal was 9 days 08 hours and 31 minutes, covering the 1148 mile course at an average speed of 5.11 knots.

"This stage ends as it began: in light winds," commented Mariette on his arrival. "In recent days, this has been a nightmare scenario ... The horror! I had a complicated race and I began to head west, but I quickly realised that was a mistake ... then I quickly moved east and there it went well. I knew when the race restarted in the east, I would be fine. I spent much time sailing in medium winds. We were sailing in good conditions with no more than 25 knots compared to others who went to the west [who experienced more]. I'm really happy with this victory ... but now, the most difficult tasks lie ahead!"

In the final miles Clement Bouyssou on Douet Distribution did a fine job pulling up to second having been in fourth place at the first sched yesterday. Long term leader in the Series class on this first leg, Eric Llull on Noble Cocoa ended up coming home fifth, just over two hours astern of the leader.

British competitor Pip Hare on The Potting Shed is currently lying 25th and is due in this evening.

Series class arrivals