Oman Sail duo all set for trans-Atlantic race
MUSCAT: It’s all systems go for Oman Sail’s Class 40 duo with just hours remaining before Sunday’s start of the classic twohanded Transat Jacques Vabre race from France to Brazil.
With their race yacht prepped and ready for the 4,350-mile event, co-skippers Sidney Gavignet and Fahad Al Hasni are now preparing themselves for the three-week marathon that marks the culmination of their seasonlong debut campaign in the ultracompetitive class.
Back from his Brittany home where he was spending time with his wife and two daughters, Gavignet said: “It is perfect for restoring the batteries being there ahead of the race. Technically the boat is as good as we could hope, it has never been so ready.”
With 15 other Class 40s on the startline – including almost all the season’s leading crews – Gavignet knows the competition will be intense from the outset, but is pleased with the changes he and Al Hasni have been able to make.
“The big improvement we have been able to do is with the rudders – it has made a big difference, and really reduced the drag. On the delivery I could look back at the wake of the boat and see almost nothing compared with what it was like before, so we can trim the boat differently.
“Also, now we do not have to helm with two hands, we can do it with one which is easier physically on a long race like this, and it is great mentally as we are less worried about breakages as everything is much lighter.”
Also added to the boat are two new sails, which have filled a gap in the Oman Sail yacht’s armoury and may prove decisive in the right conditions.
Gavignet said: “The thing with the Class 40 is we are only allowed eight sails, so you have to make the choice. It is a big decision and, along with the route we decide to take, it is the biggest decision in the race. So we now just need a bit of luck to get the best conditions to use them.” Full story @ timesofoman.com/sports