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Light Winds Kick Off La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec Leg 2 from Gijon
17 August – 15 September 2024
This second stage of three takes the 36-boat fleet to Isla Sisarga Grande, a natural waypoint west of La Coruña, where Intermediate Sprint time bonuses will be awarded—five minutes for first, three for second, and one for third.
The initial challenge for competitors is to navigate the rugged coastline, characterized by high cliffs, along with the natural wind acceleration zones and ensuing unsettled waters. Positioning for an incoming front expected in the early hours of Monday morning could greatly influence the standings during the first half of the leg across the Bay of Biscay.
“A lot will be at stake, especially in the first night for the one who crosses the front first at 4 am on Monday morning. We know we will be starting in very soft conditions along the Spanish coast, which is never easy. I think we need to be quite aggressive right away and not give too much scope to the others because whoever gets away will build a significant advantage,” explained Basile Bourgnon (Edenred), the current leader in the provisional general classification before leaving the dock.
“This feels like the start of Stage 1 because the deltas are so small. I do not intend to count the points yet; we will see about that during the final stage. The objective is to have a clean stage and be proud of my performance, just like after the first. I believe that the rest should follow, and everything will go well,” Bourgnon added.
As of 1800 hours this Sunday evening, Jules Delpech (ORCOM) was in the lead, with Ireland’s Tom Dolan trailing closely in fourth, just a quarter of a mile behind. Spain’s Pep Costa (VSF Sports) was in tenth place, approximately 0.8 miles back.
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.
