Special correspondent on board “Express”
The race committee gave the start of the third stage on Sunday at 2:43 p.m. in Morlaix Bay, the finish of which will be judged in Piriac. 470 miles could be covered by the bows of the competitors. Laurent Givry (Cap Horn) having hit the boat of Maël Garnier (J’M Garnier) during the second departure procedure, his bowsprit broken and a damaged foil, he was forced to return to the port of Roscoff. Fortunately, his competitors’ preparers helped him repair and he was able to resume the race as authorized by the regulations.
Shortly before departure, everyone was doubtful about the conditions they would encounter throughout their journey towards the Loire-Atlantique. Guillaume Pirouelle (Normandy Region), starting more than 14 hours behind in the general classification over Basile Bourgnon (Edenred), the leader, wanted to restore his damaged image between Kinsale and Roscoff: “We are not going to have much windy, with very soft passages. This route will be more coastal, in areas that we know, and will certainly be nice I think. With a little more downwind than during the previous stages. Especially after the Chaussée de Sein to the southernmost buoy. I found a smile again. The goal will be to have fun, to have a great stage and to be happy at the finish.” Passing the Paprec buoy in second position behind Corentin Horeau (Banque populaire) and ahead of Basile Bourgnon, Le Havre proved that he could have legitimate ambitions on this final course.
Gaston Morvan (Région Bretagne-CMB Performance), 7th in the standings after two rounds at 3:37, was determined to give it his all until the end: “It’s a stage where there will be opportunities to come back and make some nice shots. I will have to have the desire to do well and sail as I like. Continuing on my momentum, hoping to accomplish great things. Without taking excessive risks and forgetting the others a little. I will try to win the stage. The conditions encountered will give some play and we will enjoy ourselves. There will be currents in the Iroise Sea and in Ouessant, slack, storms, thermal or not, going up after the mark opposite Hourtin.
Verdict of this edition placed under the sign of light weather, Thursday morning.