We are at the final act of the fourth part of the Transat Québec Saint-Malo, after the river, the banks of Newfoundland, the ocean – and what an ocean! With the arrival of the boats expected in 24-36 hours (tomorrow, July 15) – barring weather surprises related to the combined wind and current – the Class40 IBSA appears imperturbable, capable of recovering her gap mile after mile, without ever giving up.
At the 1:30 pm check of July 14, Alberto Bona and his team are sailing in seventh position, just 14.7 miles from the head of the fleet: it is truly incredible to think how in just one week Alberto and his crew managed to recover more than 230 miles.
The boats are off the Gulf of Biscay, waiting to head towards Ouessant, the island that marks the gateway to the English Channel, along the Breton coast.
The last 24 hours of navigation of the Class40 IBSA were a masterpiece of patience, attention and dedication, with the aim of reducing the gap from the leaders and being ready to the final rush between tides, rocks, currents and islets. For all these crews the Breton coast is like “playing at home”, but the dominant feelings are impatience and tiredness. To launch the final attack and transform this adventure into a sporting result, much calm and determination are needed.
Meanwhile, in Saint-Malo everything is ready to welcome the regatta: the bagpipe player with his inescapable kilt is already on site; the small regatta village is ready and, from the ramparts of the ancient city – Intra Muros – everyone is scanning the horizon to finally spot the boats.
