It’s only a matter of hours. Charles Caudrelier, leader of the Arkéa Ultim Challenge and future winner of the first edition, is expected in Brest on Tuesday “between midnight and noon”, indicated Pierre Hays, race director, during the 7 a.m. check-in this Monday.
The skipper of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild still had 455 miles to go but he is exercising caution, explain the organizers, in the face of difficult weather conditions, with strong wind and heavy seas. In order to “take fewer risks and complete this world tour in the most favorable conditions”, the leader has thus “managed to moderate his pace” by remaining at less than 20 knots during the last 24 hours, explains Pierre Hays.
Second behind Caudrelier, Thomas Coville (Sodebo Ultim 3) is progressing at an average speed of 30 knots and still has just under 2,000 miles to go. Third, Armel Le Cléac’h (Maxi Banque Populaire XI) is 1,300 miles further south.