Thanks to Emma for this report from the Solitaire Bompard Le Figaro. Ed
Yesterday (Sunday 26th June), the Solitaire Bompard Le Figaro fleet set sail from Cowes, Isle of Wight.
In a mass of coloured sails and Solent spray, 39 competitors flew across the Royal Yacht Squadron start line and headed west in 20 knots of wind with the ripping Solent tide.
The historic Royal Yacht Squadron, the UK’s most prestigious yacht club, sent the solo sailors on their way with a traditional five cannon start signal.
Despite the grey weather, people armed with binoculars and cameras gathered from Cowes Parade all the way to Gurnard Green to cheer the skippers on their way to Paimpol in France. The crowds followed the fast moving fleet as they raced along Cowes seafront and the Island coastline.
A great spectacle
With their mainsails fully charged in the brisk Solent breeze, the brightly coloured Figaros contrast against grey stormy skies made for a great spectacle. Just feet away from one another as the skippers jostled for the perfect starting position, the Leg Two start from Cowes was exciting and fast.
Ploughing upwind with the tide, the fleet quickly disappeared around Egypt Point and on towards the Needles Fairway. Exiting the Solent, the Figaros now race on along the south coast of England towards Wolf Rock, before they drop south towards the north western coast of France.
Having already completed almost 500 miles on Leg One, after three days rest in Cowes the sailors now take on the 430 mile second leg of the 1525nm race – completely alone.
A warm welcome and fond farewell
The Figaro competitors left Cowes Yacht Haven to the cheers of their British supporters on the dockside and lining the harbour wall.
The sailors’ faces lit up as they waved farewell to Cowes and headed off on their next solo adventure.
Images: © Alexis Courcoux
