IMOCA Open 60, Class 40 - Transat CIC - Lorient FRA - Today live - Start

'The Transat' was the first ever transatlantic race in 1960, the beginning of a boom in ocean sailing, which is today one of the most highly regarded sports. Today at 13.30 CET, the Transat marks the start of an intense season that will culminate in November with the Vendée Globe. The crossing of the North Atlantic from east to west is likely to take place frequently on upwind courses in the westerly wind belt, a tough test for the Open 60, which are optimized for downwind courses with a view to the Vendée Globe. Practically all the contenders are at the start of this further qualification regatta for the Vendée, including the three Swiss. It will be interesting to see how Justine Mettraux SUI ('TeamWork/Team SNEF') performs after having impressed last autumn at the Transat Jacques Vabre with an attacking strategy having lead for a long time. She has optimized her Open 60 in the shipyard recently, including new larger foils that are also effective in lighter winds. After the winter break, Alan Roura SUI ('Hublot') and Oliver Heer SUI will also be switching back to race mode. The next race back to Europe will follow shortly after the Transat. We will broadcast the start live from 13h, probably in light winds. ----- All reports and the race tracker.