Friday 30 October 2009

TJV: City of Le Havre Trophy - Paul Vatine: a prologue in the heart of the city

Harbour racing for the competitors in the 9th Transat Jacques Vabre



by Transat Jacques Vabre media (in translation)

Saturday October 31 and Sunday 1st November, the Eure Basin will welcome the Trophy City of Le Havre – Paul Vatine by way of prologue to the Transat Jacques Vabre. The competitors will sail against each other in a closed basin, with equal weapons and in the heart of the city. This is all for the pleasure of the spectators. Thus, there will be no prologue at sea; the boats will remain at the quayside while the skippers will race each other on board one design Bénéteau 7.50 and 6.50s.

It is sometimes healthy to break with tradition: while the boats become sophisticated, the sailors always have an apprehension go out to sea and to take risks with the boats on the eve of the departure of a transatlantic race; for a race without true athletic issues, but that it is useful to organize: the prologue.

For this 9th edition, the competitors of the Transat Jacques Vabre will sail against each other in groups of five, between two buoys and in the form of sausage legs. The winners of every pool will next face the others in the final.


The course for the harbour racing in the city of Le Havre prior to the Transat Jacques Vabre. Supplied image.

Included in this prologue, orchestrated by la Ligue de Voile Haute Normandie, will be live commentary in the presence of other racers. Swift boats, the challenge reduced to technical issues, and the public that will be able to view the spectacle from all around the pool: the ambience should be guaranteed during this weekend. Child of the city of Le Havre, which is deeply attached to the popular character that led to the development of its sailing, Paul Vatine surely would have liked this type of festive and popular demonstration. This is also an excellent manner in which to pay him homage.

Programme for the prologue:

Saturday October 31:
- 10H to 13H, crew arrival
- 14H to 16h45: qualifying races in four pools
- 17h30: results of the 1st day in the bar of the Transat

Sunday 1st November:
- 10H to 12h45: qualifying races in four pools, return
- 14H to 16H: final races in three rounds
- 16h30: prizegiving on the stand of the City of Le Havre

Transat Jacques Vabre

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