Cork's Cian McCarthy is out of the Route du Chocolate before it even starts because French organisers have scratched his class out of the transatlantic race. McCarthy and Steve McFeely currently sailing on Cinnamon Girl are heading off into the Western Approaches to work up the new yacht . Shortly before leading however they were faced with a dilemma when TJC organisers Pen Duick announced to competitors they were cancelling the Class 40 division in the race.
Steve, an Irish Government employee, was unable to move his five week holidays scheduled for the Chocolat Race in three weeks time. After a year of construction and preparation the tough decision was made while at sea that the boat would not be competing this winter.
Cian described the experience of his first offshore passage on his new yacht as ‘good as gold’. He then went on to explain his focus next year will now be on the RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race, followed by the 2010 Route du Rhum Single-handed Transatlantic Race.
Following completion over the last two weeks of the class measurement process, signing off boat, rig and sails with designers, sail and spar makers the two new Owen Clarke designed Class 40’s set off from Hamble, UK within twenty four hours of each other.
Peter Harding and Miranda Merron were the first to leave on Friday 18th aboard the new 40 Degrees. They arrived on Tuesday morning in La Trinite having successfully completed their 1000 mile qualifier for next month’s Solidaire du Chocolat. By Thursday morning 40 Degrees, joined by crew Halvard Mabire and Alex Sizer were out training again ready for the start of this weekend’s Mondial Class 40 event.
Following completion over the last two weeks of the class measurement process, signing off boat, rig and sails with designers, sail and spar makers the two new Owen Clarke designed Class 40’s set off from Hamble, UK within twenty four hours of each other.
Peter Harding and Miranda Merron were the first to leave on Friday 18th aboard the new 40 Degrees. They arrived on Tuesday morning in La Trinite having successfully completed their 1000 mile qualifier for next month’s Solidaire du Chocolat. By Thursday morning 40 Degrees, joined by crew Halvard Mabire and Alex Sizer were out training again ready for the start of this weekend’s Mondial Class 40 event. More here.
