Fair Weather for the Start and a Spirited First Night Ahead

As the countdown to race day continues, weather forecasts are becoming more precise. Skippers can expect 12 to 15 knots of wind at the start on Sunday, with some patches of blue sky breaking through the overcast conditions. A front is expected to sweep through during the first night at sea, followed by a swift crossing of the Bay of Biscay. Here's what lies ahead.

In Concarneau, the atmosphere is electric. Skippers, team members, race management, organisers, and fans of offshore racing are all glued to the latest weather updates. “The forecasts are finally starting to line up,” shared Charlotte Yven (Skipper Macif) yesterday. “Until now, the models weren’t quite in agreement on the early stages of the race, but things are settling now.” Her observations are echoed by Race Director Francis Le Goff, who provided a detailed update on Friday morning.

“GOOD CONDITIONS FOR DEPARTURE”

Concarneau is known for its unpredictable weather, a fact not lost on those who’ve spent the week on site. But this Sunday promises to offer fairer skies. “We’re expecting a northwesterly wind of 12 to 15 knots, with very little chop,” explains Le Goff. There may even be “a few clearings in the sky.”

Spectators will be treated to a spectacular coastal course before the fleet heads offshore. The route includes a tour through Port-La-Forêt Bay, a beat up to Cap Coz, a return through the channel, and a pass by the harbor entrance before heading for the Glénan Islands and out into the Bay of Biscay. The coastal leg is expected to last between 1h15 and 1h30 for the fastest boats—plenty of action for fans on land and at sea.

"FAST AND INTENSE" FIRST DAYS

Once the fleet has cleared the coastal course, skippers will have a brief moment to regroup—but the first night promises to be a demanding one. “They’ll have to navigate a front, though it doesn’t look too active,” says Le Goff. “We’re expecting sustained winds of around 25 knots, but not too many gusts or instability.”

Conditions should ease somewhat after that. According to Charlotte Yven, the Bay of Biscay crossing “could be done on a single tack,” with a steady westerly wind assisting the fleet. The boats may take around two days to reach the far side of the Bay.

THE "PORTUGUESE TRADE WIND" AND APPROACH TO LA PALMA

Beyond the Bay of Biscay, the much-anticipated Portuguese trade wind should come into play. “It looks like it’s setting in for the long haul, though its strength may vary depending on the model,” says Le Goff. This means downwind sailing conditions, ideal for deploying spinnakers. “These are steady conditions that will benefit skippers who are really in tune with their boats. There’s an opportunity to make a strong play from early on,” he adds.

The leading duos are expected to reach La Palma after just over seven days at sea—though of course, much can change between now and then. Stay tuned.