J. Lasso C.
Twenty-eight years after the first edition of the Transat 6.50, a new race started on Saturday at 17:17 from Fort Boyard, the historic monument in Charente-Maritime on the west coast of France, heading to Salvador de Bahia (Brazil). As in the previous two competitions, the participants will make a first stop in Puerto Calero, where the first participant is expected today, and in the coming days the rest of the fleet before crossing the equator and reaching the Brazilian coast.
This test requires great tactical and technical knowledge as the journey will pass through Cape Finisterre, along the south coast of Portugal, along the coast of Africa and through the area of equatorial calms, with its false stillness and its violent storms. The Transat 6.50 is a competition that participants face alone in their small boats (6.50 meters), which makes it one of the most dangerous sailing events in the world.
Since the first event held in 1977, great athletes from the world of sailing have participated, such as Daniel Gilard, who aboard the Petit Dauphin was the first winner of the event. He was followed by Yves Porlier, Gilles Chiorri, Thierry Dubois and Yvan Bourgnon. In addition, there is a very good atmosphere among the sailors, who tell each other their experiences and give each other advice. The Transat 6.50, which is a test mainly for amateur sailors, is the gateway to the professional world of sailing.
The number of participants has been increasing from the 23 sailors in the first edition to the 72 sailors who left on the 17th from France. Another novelty is that more and more foreigners are venturing to participate, making this transatlantic event the most international of the ocean races. Women have also been encouraged, with 5 participating this year in the Transat 6.50.
Puerto Calero, in its eagerness to support sailing sports, did not hesitate to embark on this great adventure that will provide great satisfaction and joy to sea lovers.
The boats will leave Puerto Calero again on October 8 for Salvador de Bahía with a route of 2,900 miles, the regatta will have a total of 4,250 miles.
