This tour of Brittany, which according to the latest forecasts will involve predominantly upwind sailing, will be swept by moderate to light breezes: a scenario synonymous with a race which promises to be tactical due to the numerous options open to competitors with the various tacks and the increased duration of the race. Aboard Gitana Eighty, there will be five crew contesting this Record SNSM.
Back in La Trinité-sur-Mer last week after returning from Boston single-handed, Loïck Peyron and the Gitana Team have got back to work to remove the monohull's keel and kit it out with a new appendage. “The Gitana Team has performed a superb job to get us ready in time to be in Saint Nazaire. It wasn't a trifling matter as the minute I got back from Boston, in the middle of last week, it was necessary to unstep Gitana Eighty's mast, lift her out of the water, remove her keel and equip her with a new keel and then relaunch her… operations which proved both quick and efficient! I am happy to be able to participate in this crewed race, as it's always interesting to compare yourself to others, and assess Gitana Eighty's speed potential. Added to that the event is for a good cause, in honour of the lifeboatmen and women. These are courageous volunteers who are always there when you need them" explained Loïck Peyron.
The crew of Gitana Eighty on the Record SNSM: Loïck Peyron (Skipper), Cyril Dardashti, Antoine Mermod, Didier Le Vourch', Sébastien Thétiot