The Rolex Fastnet Race, renowned for its difficulty, did not spare the competitors this year. The first 24 hours of racing were as emotionally intense as they were physically demanding, for the 2 skippers of Class40 Dékuple, William Mathelin-Moreaux and Pietro Luciani, with peak speeds of up to 25 knots on the reach!William and Pietro have just crossed the finish line of this 50th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, in Cherbourg, in 3rd position after 3 days, 10 hours and 36 minutes of racing. The previous competitor having received a 2-hour penalty, the Class40 Dékuple and her co-skippers are now 2nd in the ranking. Sailing at the front most of the time, thanks to excellent tactical choices, consistency and unfailing determination, our sailors scored a fine podium finish in their first double-handed race.
“We all regrouped a little. We hadn’t had an aerial since the start, so we had to steer with Pietro, so we concentrated on that. We bombarded under spinnaker last night, making good positioning choices and that put us back in good conditions in the leading group! It was great! Top duo! Pietro and I sailed together for the first time in 2 years. This race was also our qualification for the Transat Jacques Vabre, and everything went really well,” explains William Mathelin-Moreaux.
This ranking augurs well for the next races, the 40 Malouine Lamotte in September and, of course, the Transat Jacques Vabre from October 29.