Dolan Moves Up One Place in Mini Transat

24th September 2015

With a strong following wind off the coast of Portugal, Ireland's sole entry in the Mini–Transat race made a gain overnight in his mid-fleet position. County Meath's Thomas Dolan lies 18th overall from 44 starters in the solo race and 100 miles off the overall leader.

The Minis 'bowled' along the Portuguese coast, with the same worry in each person's mind: the best way to attack, whilst also keeping the boat under control. In this constant game, it's experience that makes the difference.

It's not by chance that, with a few exceptions, the old hands of the Mini circuit are in the leading places in this first stage of the Mini Transat Iles de Guadeloupe. At the moment, the ig guys are justifying their reputations and they are all in contention to vie for the best positions. Davy Beaudart (Flexirub), who has been the race favourite, is keeping hold of his place with gusto, and fighting off the attacks by the furious trio of Axel Trehin (Aleph Racing), Frederic Denis (Nautipark) and Ludovic Mechin (Microvitae). Amongst these three, some sort of gentleman's agreement has come about: instead of each of them fighting all the time, they are taking it in turns to rest and attack. This isn't just an altruistic thing, as it also lets them use their boats to full potential, whilst decreasing the risk of breakages.

The possibility of breakages is of course always with them, and there have already been two demastings (Gilles Avril et Andrea Pendibene) and several other competitors, such as Carlos Lizancos have thrown in the towel, or made a stop for repairs.

Positions on 23rd September at 3pm (TU+ 2)

Prototypes ( Eurovia Cegelec class)
1. Davy Beaudart, Flexirub, 597 nm to the finish
2. Frederic Denis, Nautipark, 31.9 nm to leader
3. Axel Trehin, Aleph Racing, 33 .3 nm
4. Ludovic Mechin, Microvitae, 37.5 nm
5. Clement Bouyssou, Le Bon Agent Bougeons l'immobilier, 38.3 nm

Series (Ocean Bio-Actif class)
1. Ian Lipinski, Entreprise(s) Innovante(s), 661 to the finish
2. Benoit Hantzperg, YCA Dhumeaux - Secours Populaire, 2.9 nm
3. Tanguy Le Turquais, Terreal, 14.8 nnm
4. Julien Pulve, Novintiss, 23.0 nm
5. Charly Fernbach, Le Fauffiffon Henaff, 50.1 nm

Published in Tom Dolan

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