Jacques-Vabre Transatlantic Race
Starts on November 3 and 4 2007
Once again, it's time for another edition of the Jacques Vabre "The Coffee Route" transatlantic
ocean race, the only double-handed international sailboat ocean race for 40', 50', and 60' monohulls and multihulls. As always, the
start will be in Le Havre, France, with competitors sailing down the Atlantic Ocean and crossing the Equator,
finishing in the tropical and colorful port of Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, some 4500 nautical miles away.
This race is reknowned for its originaliy, its history, its format, its route, and its own special rhythm.
Crews of two leave the starting line in the English Channel off of Le Havre, and head off directly towards
Ouessant, where wind and sea conditions quickly test the mettle and resolve of those who dare pass that way.
Then, the route heads southwest across the risky Bay of Biscay, which has a terrible reputation in November :
wicked westerly swells, gusty winds, and rainy winter conditions. Three to five days of tough rugged sailing later,
the trade winds are in sight, letting the crews to replace their foul weather gear with sunglasses and sunscreen
lotion.
Now its the long surf towards the southern hemisphere, across the far horizon and onwards towards the difficult
passage known as the Doldrums. It is here that sure victory can be seized in the jaws of defeat by a sudden drop
in wind speed, and huge leads can be reduced to just a few miles before the final upwind stretch to Brazil. After
two to three weeks at sea, the competitors are teased by delicious tropical odors that will help them forget the past
hardships and difficulties. Crossing the ocean at speeds over 17 knots for the multihulls and 12 knots for the
monohulls is enough to test the strength of the sturdiest of men. The Jacques Vabre is a serious, full-bodied and
full-flavored event, just like the brand of roasted Brazilian coffee for which it's name comes from. Each of the forty
or so crew lined up at the start off the coast of Normandy this November will be hoping for the best, and doing
what they can to win.
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