IMOCA Open 60, Class 40, Multi 50 - Transat Jacques Vabre - Le Havre FRA - Start today

Today, the start to the Transat Jacques Vabre, that follows the historic coffee trading route between South America and Europe in the opposite direction, will be given in Le Havre FRA with Salvador de Bahia BRA as port of destination 4'335nm away. ----- 59 two-person teams participate in three Classes i.e. 29 Open 60, 27 Class 40 and 3 Multi-50-catamarans. ----- The Open 60 race promises to be spectacular as one year before the Vendée Globe round-the-world race, numerous latest-design constructions will for the first time be starting to an oceanic race. A new record time is very likely. Cited as key favorites are Jérémy Beyou FRA/Christopher Pratt GBR on 'Charal'. Charlie Enright USA, the only American engaged in Oceanic racing, makes his race debut on the Open 60 together with the experienced Pascal Bidegorry FRA. ----- Moderate winds have been forecast for the start at 13.15h UTC. ----- The event website.