Strong start for Cherry and Matson

First coastal race held for the Figaro's Solo Maitre CoQ

The Figaro class' Solo Maitre CoQ got off to a good start in Les Sables d'Olonne, although only one rather than two coastal races able to take place. The race got underway at 10:43 local time in a southeasterly wind of around 12 knots. Sadly the wind became too unstable to hold the second scheduled race of the day.

The opening leg of the 21 mile coastal race up to a turning mark off Port Bourgenay favoured those who rock hopped off the Vendee coast, 

Safran-Guy Cotten skipper Gwénolé Gahinet led the race from start to finish, although it was Figaro veteran and former Vendee Globe winner Alain Gautier on Generali 40 that managed the best start.

Gahinet commented: "I started really on left the start line and I was able to be one of the first to get into shelter from the current on the coast. Because of the significant strength of the tide, it was really necessary to go constantly into the coast to stem the tide. Then I managed not to make too many mistakes ... I'm really happy!"

Among the eight strong British entries, two - Nick Cherry on Redshift and Sam Matson on Chatham Marine - finished within the top 10 (in sixth and seventh respectively) within this elite 40-strong fleet.

Among the rookies, Benjamin Dutreux on Team Vendée came out on top, finishing fourth.

Results: