J/99 Silvers Armen Race at Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer

J/99 Silvers Armen Race at Society Nautique de Trinite © Paul Wyeth / pwpictures.com

This past weekend, the Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer hosted their famous Armen Race for 152 offshore teams from across the Bay of Biscay.

The weather proved to be challenging to all crews as the high-pressure system with isobars spread a million miles apart meant there was very little gradient breeze development across the race track. As a result, there were irregular winds with many becalmed for long periods, plus having to fight the strong tidal currents in the area. Ultimately, many teams dropped out and motored home.

Despite the tough, sunny, and light wind conditions, everyone was happy with the weekend. It must be said that SNT knows how to be a great host and throw a massive party and celebration for the awards! The competitors were able to quietly taste the delicious preserves offered by La Belle Iloise.

Thierry Bujon de l'Estang, President of the SNT commented, "It's a great edition of the ArMen Race Uship. We were lucky with the weather but less so with the wind, which made the regatta very technical. The sailors returned tired but happy. The ArMen Race Uship is a very beautiful race that remains a reference. Thanks to the ArMen plus Nuit de l'ArMen format, we can adapt to different weather conditions. The SNT have once again done a fantastic job, the day and night receptions are very pleasing to the sailors!"

Hervé Gautier, race director commented, "The weather was faithful to the forecasts, with a weak wind. The bubbles were, however, larger than expected. But, this allowed the competitors to admire the Teignouse for a few hours! There were quite a few abandonments for those who were tired of waiting for the wind. All the boats could have arrived before the deadline, but they would have had to spend a third night at sea! The SNT team is dynamic and friendly, the general atmosphere is sporty and good-natured at the same time, the pro/amateur mix is rich and that's all that makes you want to come back."

Cyrille Cremades, who sailed on the J/99 J-LANCE, said, "It was incredible! We had to get wet to stop going backward, it was improbable, and these are moments that stand out. By being patient, we left the Bay of Quiberon. The night was dark, with the stars and the phosphorescence, it was magnificent. The sunrise was incredible. After the regattas earlier this season in the rain, in the wind, and the cold, it was great to be able to sail in shorts! We were lucky to have 10-15 knots all the time, the atmosphere on board was great as usual. We lost our title but we are very satisfied with our second place!"

OSH 1 Division

The 32-boat division sailed a 131.0 nm race. Frederic Bouvier and Didier Le Moal's J/99 J-LANCE sailed a strong race to take the silver medal behind a 50-footer. J/Teams faired quite well in this race.

Taking the bronze medal was Sam Blevin's J/109 AXILONE-JOKE. Fourth was Eric Kerscaven's J/99 JUST PLY. Then, the ninth was Julien Bentz's J/99 WHIMJY 99.

IRC 2 Division

In the 21-boat fleet, they endured a 250.0 nm race in greatly variable weather conditions. Winning was Phillippe Girardin's veteran team on his J/120 HEY JUDE! It was a resounding success for this successful crew, posting a nearly two-hour corrected time margin for their win!

More information at www.snt-voile.org