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Weather: A Demanding Start Awaits the Vendée Arctique Fleet

While conditions on the start line are expected to be relatively benign, the fleet will face strengthening winds as early as the first night, all the way to Fastnet Rock and then west of Ireland. Before taking on the harsh conditions of the High North, the skippers will need to remain fully focused and ready to push hard from the outset. Race meteorologist Christian Dumard explains what lies ahead.

À bord de MACIF Santé Prévoyance.
© DR

The Start: Patience Required

« This Sunday at midday, conditions are expected to be very light. There could be less than five knots of wind at the start! On the other hand, the sea state will be slightly more active, with more than two metres of swell. During the afternoon, a sea breeze may develop at times, but conditions are expected to ease again overnight. »

After the First Night: Plenty of Wind Ahead

« The skippers will continue to sail in light airs throughout the night. It is during Monday morning that a west to north-westerly airflow will begin to strengthen. Winds are expected to build to around 25 knots. This means upwind conditions, which promises to be demanding for the foiling IMOCAs. The fleet should reach Fastnet Rock during the night from Monday to Tuesday. »

 

Conditions will remain demanding as the fleet progresses west of Ireland.

Christian Dumard
Race Meteorologist

After the Second Night: Still Very Demanding

« Conditions will remain demanding as the fleet progresses west of Ireland. There will be strong reaching winds, allowing the foilers to power along at high speed. The sea state will also require close attention. West of Ireland, wave heights are expected to reach around 3.5 metres. That may not sound particularly significant, but it can still generate heavy impacts for foiling boats when they come crashing back down into the waves. » 

What Comes Next: Plenty of Uncertainty

« At this stage, it is difficult to get a clear picture of the conditions beyond that point. There remains considerable divergence between the various weather models, despite being only two days from the start. One thing is certain: the skippers will have to adapt constantly to weather systems that can evolve very quickly in northern waters. They will undoubtedly have low-pressure systems to deal with. The real question is where they decide to draw the line. Will they opt for an aggressive strategy or a more conservative approach? Will they choose to sail in 26 knots of wind or 18? That decision will be entirely theirs » 

 

 

 

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