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Franck Cammas winner of the Quo Vadis Challenge and prosional leader of the Trophée Clairefontaine. Jean-Marie Liot / SailingOne Saturday 2nd September - The seventeenth Trophée Clairefontaine des Champions de Voile began this morning in La Trinité-sur-Mer with three Raids in the Bay of Quiberon and a run on the nautical stadium of the harbour. With two victories, Franck Cammas takes the lead of the provisional ranking in front of the New Zealander Mike Sanderson and Loîck Peyron.
At 9.30am sharp, the eight invited champions of the Trophée Clairefontaine all crossed the starting line of the first Raid of the day from the Channel of La Trinité-sur-Mer to the Quo Vadis buoy, to and fro. Close-hauled in a 12 knot South West breeze, Franck Cammas immediately imposes the rhythm and takes the lead leaving Vincent Riou and Pascal Bidégorry to a fierce tactical battle behind him. At the Quo Vadis buoy, Franck Cammas was the first to hoist his red spinnaker in order to sail back towards the harbour of La Trinité-sur-Mer, thus considerably increasing his lead and winning the leg in front of Vincent Riou and Mike Sanderson. The likeable Kiwi did not need much time to tame the one-design catamaran of the Trophée Clairefontaine. Surprise: Loïck Peyron, seventh and Michel Desjoyeaux, eighth, were the tail-enders of the first trial of the day.
The second Raid to l’Ile de Houat, took place in a refreshing breeze. Due to a penalty on the starting line, Mike Sanderson was far behind when he entered the Bay of Quiberon. However, thanks to an audacious strategy, he brilliantly anticipated the change of the wind direction in the middle of the bay and then again towards the finish area, thus accomplishing a superb “spoon” (a big detour below the direct route wind) and crossing in front of the seven other champions. A very nice operation for the Volvo Ocean Race titleholder! Jérémie Beyou, also well inspired finished second and Franck Cammas third. The usual big names: Loïck Peyron and Michel Desjoyeaux, a little manhandled by the new watch finish once again at unusual ranks, respectively fifth and seventh.
In the third and last Raid of the day, Loïck Peyron achieved a thunderous comeback under an irregular breeze quite strong under the clouds. As a matter of fact, the sailor from La Baule was actually the sole leader between Houat and la Trinité-sur-Mer. His victory is unquestionable and shows that his will to become the master of the game once again. Concerning Michel Desjoyeaux, he finishes second, his best Raid ranking today. Regarding Jean-Pierre Dick, sailing here his first multihull competition, it was quite a harsh day always finishing between the fourth and the seventh position. After these three Raids, Franck Cammas is the winner of the Challenge Quo Vadis, in front of Mike Sanderson and Loïck Peyron.
A first Run has concluded the day. The eight champions made the show in the nautical stadium of la Trinité-sur-Mer in front of a high number of spectators massed on the Loïck Caradec jetty. Franck Cammas signed his second victory of the day ensuring his leadership tonight before the five last Runs tomorrow afternoon from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on the nautical stadium. Loïck Peyron and Mike Sanderson came second and third.
Provisional Ranking after four legs: 1- Franck Cammas, 32 pts; 2- Mike Sanderson (New Zealand) 26 pts; 3- Loïck Peyron, 24 pts; 4- Jérémie Beyou, 18 pts; 5- Michel Desjoyeaux, 16 pts; 6- Pascal Bidégorry, 15 pts; 7- Jean-Pierre Dick, 14 pts; 8- Vincent Riou, 11 pts.
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