Saturday 22 september 2001. d-day

The day start really early. The skippers are eager to start, the pontoons are invaded by the public. Some are still sewing their sails or organising the food. Aboard Children Action, Hervé bring his own material. Family and friends came numerous from England, Switzerland and Ardèche. Before, Hervé received his weather information and made his strategy. The sun shines, the wind blows,the atmosphere is wonderful.: the priest , M. Pompier (means fireman!), bless the boats and a pizzaiolo brings pizza to the skippers just after.

It is 15:33 when Helen Mc Arthur give the start to the 60 boats in magnificent conditions and amongst hundred of spectators boats.

STRATEGY: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CROSS THE BAY OF BISCAY

In former versions of the Mini-Transat, the Reggata started from Southern Britanny. The strategy to cross the Bay of Biscay was therefore important as one could either choose to go due west offshore and then to come down due south and to Cap Finister. (Strategy taken by Pierre-Yves Moreau, who finished second at the last race), either to go due south first to sail along the northern coast of Spain (strategy adopted by Seb Magnen, winner of the two last races of the Mini-Transat). Once could also take the middle road between these 2 extremes.

If it is clear that the strategy would be first dictated by the weather forecast, the start of the Mini would be this year given from La Rochelle. This changes considerably the situation compared to the previous races.

La Rochelle is already quite south in the Bay of Biscay and the options would be less radical. In that sense, the start would look like more the start from the Vendee Globe which is starting from the Sables d’Olonnne which is only a few kilometres away from La Rochelle. We then saw last year Yves Parlier would took daring options very near the Spanish coast when Dominique Wavre attempted (unfortunately without success!) to anticipate a wind change by going offshore.

It would be completed depending on the last weather forecast.

The weather forecast is good. Herve will have to leave the Bay of Biscay as quickly as possible.

With the spinnaker up, he will have no time to sleep for the next 48 hours.