Transat Jacques Vabre 2003

Start of the Transat Jacques Vabre 2003 is the 1st and 2nd November. After five successful editions, the Transat Jacques Vabre has now confirmed its primacy in the international calendar of oceanic races. To celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2003, the sixth edition will once again cross the equator on its way from Le Havre to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. Navigation in two opposite weather systems belonging to the two hemispheres of the planet. A symbol for this great race where the number two has extra importance.

Double-handed and two families of boats
The Jacques Vabre is different to fully-crewed and single-handed races in that it is double-handed. This originality is part of the race’s success: two yachtsmen make up each crew. Two families of boats also make up the fleet – monohulls and multihulls. Two gunshots fired by a jury will release the two classes in Le Havre at one day’s interval.

Knowledge of the limits
This subtle double-handed exercise involves crews going as fast as possible without ever forgetting to keep an eye on their yacht; imposing a rhythm, controlling their mount in order to be first to reach South America. It is an art that demands good knowledge of one’s own physical qualities, but also the limits of the other crew member on board. As for the science of navigation, all of the weather systems of the North and South Atlantic have to be studied, as well as the equatorial calms.

Extra distance for faster multihulls
The faster multihulls will also have to negotiate a passage around Ascension Island, adding extra distance and a further dimension to the oceanic game. Only the most skilful yachtsmen in the world will be first to cross the Jacques Vabre finish line in Salvador de Bahia, to dance the samba, to taste the famous Brazilian coffee with friends of another culture!