Nineteen boats left Concarneau on Sunday for nearly 4 miles, heading to Saint-Barthélemy, for the 000th edition of the Transat AG14R La Mondiale.
Under a cloudy sky and a relatively timid wind, the competitors crossed the fictitious starting line shortly after 13 p.m. for three weeks of racing. They will first take the southern route, direction La Palma, in the Canaries, where the fleet will have to cross a passing mark, then due west for an oceanic crossing which should bring them safely to port by mid-May.
If the first part of the race, up to Spain promises to be tactical, the weather forecasts then count on winds which should give a more sporty turn to the race, with 30-35 knots and gusts at 45- 50 knots.
Biannual event, the AG2R La Mondiale double-handed Transat takes place this year six months before the start of the legendary Route du Rhum. The title holders, Erwan Tabarly and Thierry Chabagny (Armor Lux - Gedimat), are once again among the favorites. _AF
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