Next stop Cowes after inshore baptism upsets Pro Sailing Tour leaderboard

by Pro Sailing Tour 3 Jul 11:18 EST
5-6 July 2022

As the Pro Sailing Tour prepares for its first ever visit to the home of British yachting in Cowes, and the challenging 515-mile course to get there, the crews of the seven Ocean Fifty foiling trimarans have had the opportunity to reflect on two days of intense inshore racing in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.

Navigating the light winds and legendary strong currents for which the area is known was the key to success, with the starts proving to be equally crucial to securing a podium place or win.

Full focus needed

After the excitement of shoreside activities in the port of Armor, out at sea the crews were fully focused on working their way through the light airs on the Bay of Saint-Brieuc around the Saint-Quay Islands.

Increasing the challenge, the strong tides hindered progress towards the course marks, with the Ocean Fifties engaged in a constant battle of tacks and gybes around the two coastal courses and the intricate round-the-cans challenge set by the race committee.

Quentin Vlamynck (FRA) on Arkema won the opening race and Erwan Le Roux (FRA) aboard Koesio scored two back-to-back victories, with both opening up a lead over Leyton and defending Pro Sailing Tour champion Sam Goodchild (GBR).

Primonial was disappointed by its results in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc, and Sébastien Rogues will be keen to do well on the upcoming race to Cowes, with both Komilfo and Solidaires En Peloton-ARSEP also out to make their mark in English…