Roland and Jean-Luc in the race

It’s the toughest game of the year. That’s what the famous chess player, Garry Kasparov, might say were he following the Transat Jacques Vabre. Fifth yesterday evening, Veolia Environnement is still sailing not far from the “northerly group” of Safran, BT and Mike Golding Yacht Racing. To the south, Akena Verandas, Artemis, DCNS and Foncia are still hoping for optimum sailing conditions to make up the time they have lost compared with the rest of the fleet.

A good decision by Bilou

Even if Bilou has slipped back two spots on the leaderboard, things could easily about-turn in the next couple of days. According to Gildas Morvan, the red and white duo should enjoy far better weather conditions than the “southern group” (Foncia, DCNS, Artemis and Akenas Verandas). Consistently with the leaders since the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre, Veolia Environnement could gain a couple of places over the weekend. Whatever happens, Bilou and Jean-Luc are putting in a fine performance and the battle with Groupe Bel and Mike Golding Yacht Racing certainly has a few surprises in store for us yet.

A rapid return to the Transat’s top trio would be a fitting reward for this engaging duo.

Steven Lambert