anybody else amazed at the speed at which the Ultime Class is about to complete the Route du Rhum from Normandy to Guadeloupe? The two leading Trimarans left just a week ago and are about to arrive this afternoon. Looks like they will beat the previous record of 7 days and 15 hours (I believe) The rest of the fleet ( Imocas, and smaller multis and monos) are far behind and a number of the 123 competitors have dropped out or taken shelter due to three strong storms early in the race. Also, the American Magic challenge has just launched its 38’ monohullyear boat in Newport. The thing just popped on its foils on the first Sail. Amazing technology. For those who haven’t followed the next America s cup will use 75’ foiling Monohulls... these are true foilers unlike the Imocas. Amazing Www.routedurhum.com
Yes. Amazed and quite honestly afraid. I cannot imagine getting used to that ride. I see that on YouTube and just marvel at the forces involved. Quite fantastic really. I am looking forward to all of it.
It would be cool to see some advanced controls with safety features that would allow non-professionals some access to that kind of performance under sail !
Two miles from the line in Guadeloupe and the two trimarans are within half a mile of each other...amazing! Live on Facebook.
Incredible. Gabart who led most of the race until 2 hours from the finish almost came back as Joyon got a net or pot caught in his stbd Rudder 7’ minutes on the line. 7 days 14 hours , a new record The first race back in 1978 had a 98 second Delta with Mike Birch on a trimaran passing Malinowski on his big mono. And... the winner is 62 year old!