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Clement weather
It may seem surprising to cross the Atlantic Ocean under sail from east to west in the middle of winter, but this is the ideal time of year to sail from Europe to the West Indies. Once you've reached the inter-tropical zone, which in the North Atlantic begins around Cape Verde, there are no more lows or high pressure systems, but rather a regular wind regime that ensures fast downwind sailing for the boat and comfortable temperature and humidity conditions for the crew. What better way to gain transatlantic sailing experience?
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A technical stopover
The boats arrived in mid-January at the marina in Le Marin, Martinique, and were welcomed as they should have been, with the organization taking charge of their mooring, carrying out the maintenance work required for this technical stopover, and taking part in a social program that helped to unite the members of this sailors' collective.
On the technical side, the aim was to carry out the necessary checks after several weeks at sea: running and standing rigging, electronics, engines, fluid management, sail condition - nothing was left to chance for the yachts. Garcia Yachts.
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"The advantage of this technical stopover is that we knew exactly what was in store for us," says Vincent Mauger, Grand Large Services Manche manager, "all the boats needed a check-up, which is perfectly normal after a transatlantic race. We knew on a case-by-case basis what spare parts to bring, and what intervention to plan. This level of preparation gave real meaning to our presence in Martinique, where two of us - carpenter Yann and myself - came specially from the Cherbourg yard. And the owners were delighted with our presence, as evidenced by the warm thanks they expressed to us and the small party given in our honor when we left".
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A friendly stopover
In terms of conviviality, as soon as they arrived, the crews were offered a welcome aperitif aboard a floating restaurant in Le Marin. The following day, they visited Habitation Clément, an emblematic rum house in Le François, which, with its rich heritage and botanical riches, represents an unparalleled introduction to Creole culture. On Friday, everyone could take part in a picnic on the beach at Islet Chevalier, where volleyball teams were formed in good spirits. And these opportunities for exchange, whether initiated by the organizers or the participants themselves - and there were many more of them - enabled the participants to get to know each other better.
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"The general atmosphere was excellent among all the participants," adds Vincent, "andany uncertainties felt in Tenerife before the big crossing were completely dispelled. I'm referring to the doubts some had about their ability, as sailors, to carry out this navigation lasting several weeks, as well as various questions about the potential, behavior and reliability of their boat."
Asfor any divisions - between monohull and multihull proponents, for example - they have neatly vanished, and made way for one and the same family, that of the happy participants in a memorable and, for many, unique sailing experience.
As they rounded a bend in the pontoon, Yann (carpenter) and Vincent (Grand Large Services manager) were surprised to bump into François, our former Production Manager, now recently retired. So they were able to immortalize the moment!
There's no doubt that the reassuring presence of the crews dispatched by the shipyards, as well as the level of availability displayed by the members of the organization, contributed to this success. The content of the briefing devoted to the fourth leg to Panama confirmed this: when you leave the Atlantic to enter the unknown Pacific, there are few certainties that can be taken for granted, other than that of mutual aid and conviviality at all times between the members of this great collective adventure. Finally, the start of the flotilla on January 22, like the start of a regatta between Le Marin and Sainte-Anne, not only confirmed all this, but also confirmed that the boats were sailing well together on long, sunny tacks. It just goes to show that conviviality and good humour can be perfectly combined with a dash of performance!
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