For the last few weeks the main focus in the team has been the start of the AG2R with Sam and Nick, the 3,900nm double-handed transatlantic race, starting from Concarneau where we are based and finishing in St Barts in the Caribbean, leaving La Palma in the Canaries to starboard along the way.
I have been training out of Lorient for the last 2 weeks but found myself going down to the race village whenever possible to soak up the building atmosphere as the days counted down to their departure. Come start day the race village was rammed packed, with spectators trying to get a glimpse of the skippers before they headed off across the Atlantic. One final weather briefing and then they were off, to booming music and cheers from the crowd.
I was out on the water in Artemis 43 with the camera crew to help catch some of the action and get specific shots of Artemis 23 to go alongside the heli shoots that would be provided. It was amazing to see so many spectator craft out on the water, all tussling for the best position, everyone wanted to get closer to the action. Fighting to get close enough but not too close in an unmaneuverable Figaro compared to the little rib’s tearing around proved quite tricky, but we just about got the shots we needed.
As the guys sailed off into the distance I found it hard motoring back into port, I wanted so badly to be a part of this race and the amazing spectacle and I hope one day I will get the chance. Right now however we have another weeks training out of Concarneau with our English coach Mike Hart. Then I will be helping finishing off the refit of Artemis 37 before she goes back in the water early May in preparation for our next race, the Solo Concarneau starting on the 10th May.
A plus,
H
