Jean-Pierre Dick, onboard Virbac Paprec, is currently in the lead as the Transat Jacques Vabre fleet negotiates a high-speed approach into the Mona Passage that lies between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. As the race yachts prepare to funnel through, the distances have reduced and Mirabaud is hot on the heels of Francois Gabart and Sebastien Col who are currently lying third, with a lead of just 140nm. The Mirabaud co-skippers are completely dialled in and as of right now, anything is possible.
“Our rudder problems are ongoing,” Dominique told us today via satellite phone. “And while it isn’t affecting our performance, it is affecting us. We are running hour long shifts on the helm, which is taking its toll as we can’t rest.”
The weather conditions are unpredictable at the moment, with light patches dotted about that are very difficult to forecast. “We got stuck under a squall for an hour this morning,” said Dominique. “But thankfully we are now on the move again at an average of 16 knots with the big spinnaker up. Over the next few days we expect steadier Trades and a scattering of light patches. We’ll be hoping for a bit of luck too as these clouds can come out of nowhere at anytime!”
Based on the latest estimations, Mirabaud should arrive in Puerto Limon sometime between the 19 and 20 November.
