The sun shone, the wind blew and 79 boats of the Transat Jacques Vabre fleet got off the start line at Le Havre bound for Martinique today.
The four classes headed, first of all, to a turning mark before heading through the English channel.
There was an emotional send-off for the crews as they left the Le Havre docks, with family and fans shouting them on. The weather conditions were ideal. The boats were able to hit a north-westerly wind between 15 and 20 knots on a choppy sea lit by beautiful sunshine - a perfect backdrop for TV viewers across France and around the world.
Transat Jacques Vabre spectators gather on the cliff tops for the big start
The 5 Ultimes, 7 Ocean Fifty, 22 Imoca and 45 Class40s pointed their bows towards Etretat to round the first course mark before setting course towards the Atlantic. A long journey lies ahead; 7,500 miles for the largest and fastest class, the Ultimes. The IMOCA and Ocean Fiftys will sail around 6,000 miles with the smallest and slowest Class 40s completing around 4,500 miles.
The fleet set-off on port tack heading to a turning mark off the village of Etrat, where hundreds of fans lined the white cliffs for a perfect view of the boats screaming in towards them. Then they turned to head west along the busy English channel where they face a tricky night of strong currents and lightening breeze. Decision taken in these ealry hours of the race amy prove crucial to the outcome.
Re-watch the live TV coverage below
What they said...
Paul Meilhat and Charlie Dalin winner in 2019. IMOCA (Apivia)
"We know that we will have a lot of work to do on the weather after we leave the dock because the situation is not easy. These are conditions where the weather choices will be more important than the boat performance. It will be interesting, even if it will be very tricky. It's more like a Figaro than an Imoca at the start of the race."
Ian Lipinski, race winner in 2019 on board Class 40 (Crédit Mutuel)
"We are in a great state of mind. We are happy to get going. The atmosphere during the ten days in the village in Le Havre was great but we are also looking forward to leaving.
We are going to be careful on the water as there will be a lot of boats at the start. Once we get past Etretat we'll breathe easier! It's going to be interesting from a strategic point of view, we're going to have to stay focused and lucid."
Erwan Le Roux. Ocean Fifty (Koesio)
"We are focused. It's important to enjoy the last moments with your family, partners and team! It's the moment when the team leaves us the boat after having had it for weeks and weeks. Now it's our turn. It's an emotional exchange."
Armel Le Cléac'h on ULTIME (Banque Populaire XI)
"The start will be a bit stressful, but we'll get into the race quickly. We're not going to try to do things differently on board. We have to keep our usual focus. The number one goal is to get to Martinique and then enjoy ourselves. We'll take it one step at a time. "
