With three days to go until the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre (Sunday at 13:02), Dominique Wavre and Michele Paret are calm and collected despite a weather forecast for strong winds.
Le Havre, Thursday 27 October 2011 – Dominique Wavre and Michele Paret are calm and collected three days out from the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre. Preparations continue onboard Mirabaud, but the pace is steady, as the bulk of the work has already been done.
“We are bang on schedule,” said Dominique Wavre. “We have completed all the checks and inspections, including the security checks, and the measurers have sealed a few things that we are forbidden to touch while racing. Our provisions are onboard and while we have a few small things to pack, we are basically ready.”
The trans-Atlantic should take approximately two weeks so the yacht is in “light” mode. “We only have 200kg on board for this race, compared to 600kg for the Barcelona World Race,” explained Michele Paret. “We have the same number of sails, but a lot less spare parts, clothing and food. We will notice a distinct difference in performance.”
The race starts this coming Sunday at 13:02. Mirabaud will leave the port at precisely 10:34. The forecast for the start is relatively calm, but this will be short-lived as a sizeable low pressure is forecast for the following day. “It is a typical November North Atlantic forecast,” said Dominique. “We will have to be 100% on our game from the start, there will be no easing into this race. We will very quickly be swept up by the low pressure and dealing with high winds and big seas on the nose. I don’t think there will be decisive tactical decisions to be made early in the race. North Atlantic weather is well known and the competitors will be sailing more or less the same course.”
Leads will be established based on the boat speed of the different types of yacht, on the quality of manoeuvres and the teams’ ability to perform at 100% right off the start line.
In order to be in the best possible shape for the start, Dominique and Michele are making the most of their last days ashore to rest, eat healthily and finalise the final few details. They are also running through the different phases of the race in their minds.
“Sadly, we can’t stockpile sleep,” said Dominique, laughing. “But we are making sure that we sleep properly and eat well before the start. On Saturday we will try to do as little as possible. The day will be dedicated to resting and focussing on what is to come.”
Well not quite the whole day… During the afternoon on Saturday, French actress Alexandra Lamy will meet Dominique Wavre and Michele Paret onboard Mirabaud to wish them fair winds and bless the boat with a few drops of champagne on the bow.
