Storms disrupt Transat Jacques Vabre
The 2023 transatlantic Transat Jacques Vabre faced a uniquely disrupted start for the 100 double-handed teams, due to a series of low pressure systems in the North Atlantic.
The race, which has four fleets for Ultim trimarans, IMOCA 60s, Ocean 50 trimarans and Class 40s, was due to depart Le Havre, France, on 29 October, with the four classes set courses of varying lengths to arrive in Martinique at approximately the same time. However, a series of deepening lows, one of which developed to form Storm Ciaran, led to organisers holding three of the four fleets in France.
In spectacular, gale-force conditions, the Class 40sbefore restarting to Martinique. Due to Storm Ciaran moving eastwards faster than forecast, the IMOCA fleet only received news on the morning of start day that they’d not be leaving port at all. With no suitable harbours that could host the entire 40-boat fleet (many of which now sport foils), the IMOCAs remained in Le Havre for eight days waiting for conditions to moderate.
