Solidaire du Chocolat from Saint Nazaire, France to Progreso, Mexico.
The pace at which the boats finished stepped up last night in Progreso as as five boats crossed the finishing line of the first edition of the Solidaire du Chocolat in the space of 12 hours.
True to form, the Yucatan public turned out in force to welcome the ten sailors ashore as only they know how after 32 days at sea. Celebrations took on a new dimension with the arrival of the highly emblematic French-Mexican crew in the shape of Patrice Carpentier and Victor Maldonado (Cr?dit Maritime). This race has been a true popular success in the land of the Mayas.
Happy, pleased . All of those who have taken part in the race agree at the sensation they feel when they cross the finishing line. A wave of pleasure and satisfaction is felt at the end of this race unlike any other.
The first run of this race is now drawing to a close shall remain in our memories for the harshness of conditions, the lows and storms which the fleet experienced on the course from Saint Nazaire to Progreso. The level of expertise required by this competition needs no proof. 5 000 miles (9 260 km) across the Atlantic and the Caribbean. A sweet and sour, chocolaty and salty recipe which worked.
What an adventure! The meeting of two cultures, skippers both amateur and professional: the Solidaire du Chocolat stands out in the world of ocean racing.
The last 5 boats to have arrived (1 remaining)
9th - Plan, les enfants changeront le monde (Denis Lazat & Fr?d?ric Nouel) : 32d 09h 29min 00sec - 5d 16h 54min 00sec behind the winners (6.44 kts average speed)
10th - Axa Atout Cour pour Aides (Erik Nigon & Marc Jouany) : 32d 10h 53min 40sec - 5d 18h 18min 40sec behind the winners (6.43 kts average speed)
11th - Keysource (Mike West & Paul Worswick) : 32d 11h 44min 00s - 5d 19h 09min 00s behind the winners (6.42 kts average speed )
12th - Cr?dit Maritime (Patrice Carpentier & Victor Maldonado) : 32d 18h 54min 00s - 6d 02h 19min 00s behind the winners (6.36 kts average speed)
The last crew still racing, Stephen Card and Shaun Murphy, was 50 miles from Progreso yesterday evening and was expected in the wee small hours of Sunday morning (French time, thus in the evening in Progreso). ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital - Saving Sight Worldwide will be the 14th and last boat to complete the 5,000 nautical mile long race of the first run of the Solidaire du Chocolat from Saint Nazaire to Progreso.
