#rdp13 – Sebastien Josse's MOD70 Groupe Edmond De Rothschild took an early lead this morning in Dublin Bay shortly after the start of the third offshore leg to Plymouth in the Routes Des Princes.
Racing under full mainsail and gennaker downwind, the crews enjoyed winds of 11-16kts from the SW system for the preliminary set of 7.2 miles with the start and turn windward close to the town's East Pier.
Sunshine and a moderate breeze NW'ly have replaced the strong, gusty winds of the weekend. With the first bonus points available at Bardsey Island, off the Welsh coast, it will be full on from the start line and the leaders should round the little island between 1700 and 1800hrs this evening.
On cue, at 1100hrs, the Routes des Princes Multi50s, fleet of MOD70's and the 80 Maxi left the Dun Laoghaire start line bound for Plymouth.
This looks to be a complicated leg with many transition zones where the leaders are likely to stop and be caught by the chasing pack.
Winds are expected to drop away Effective Fastnet for the MOD70's while the race for the Multi50s has been shortened. Fastnet is no longer a mark of the race for the smaller Multis.
The race for the MOD70's Eddystone will still be told to the crews before they reach Bishop Rock.
Shortly after departure today Sidney Gavignet, skipper of Oman Air Musandam sent this email from onboard:
'Here we go again. Bye bye Ireland and thank you for your warm welcome. A thought for Spindrift which will remain at the dock. The story of the Route des Princes has been eventful and I'm sure there are still things to happen. On board we have Ahmed who is only 20 years old who has been only sailing small 18 foot catamarans for a couple of years. Just now we are in visual contact with Virbac-Paprec and Gitana in less than 10 knots of wind. Behind us Prince de Bretagne has blown their gennaker. It is going to be a long race for them.....'
Meanwhile Spindrift remains at the dock in Dun Laoghaire as plans are made to transport the 70' vessel to France. Spindrift crew Jacques Guichard is comfortable and will remain in hospital in Dublin for further medical attention.
