The Artemis Transat

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Day 19: a prizegiving and a conclusion!29.05.08

The prizegiving ceremony held yesterday evening at the Boston Harbor Hotel concluded The Artemis Transat 2008...

DAY 18: Steve White completes the IMOCA results table28.05.08

Steve White onboard Spirit of Weymouth crossed the finish line of The Artemis Transat at 04:04:54 GMT (midnight local time) today (28th May) to take 9th place. White’s finish completes the IMOCA results table which has seen 9 of 13 starters complete the solo transatlantic course...

DAY 17: Dee Caffari completes her first solo race in The Artemis Transat onboard Aviva27.05.08

Dee Caffari onboard Aviva crossed the finish line of The Artemis Transat at 15:05:34 GMT (11:05 local time) today (27 May) – the second Briton (after Samantha Davies last night) to complete the solo course and a major milestone in her solo racing career...

Samantha Davies – first Briton to finish The Artemis Transat26.05.08

- Samantha Davies on board Roxy crossed the finish line of The Artemis Transat at 23:00:51 GMT (19h local time) yesterday (26 May) - A fine performance by Davies who arrived in Boston after 15 days, 10 hours, 00 minutes and 51 seconds reinforcing her place in the premier league of offshore solo sailing

DAY 16: Samantha Davies takes control of the boys!26.05.08

Sam Davies onboard Roxy will almost certainly be the first British entry to finish The Artemis Transat tonight whilst Dee Caffari on Aviva, the second British female entry, is due to finish tomorrow afternoon at approx 1400 GMT...

Marc Guillemot's Safran takes 4th place26.05.08

Safran crossed the finish line in Boston at 10:18:47 GMT (06:18:47 local time Boston), securing fourth place in The Artemis Transat 2008. He was forced to put a couple of final tacks in to enter and the harbour before crossing the finish line and completing The Artemis Transat in a time of 14d 21h 18m 47s at an average speed of 8.32 knots...

Jean-Luc looks at the battle for 5th25.05.08

With Safran looking safe in 4th, the great battle for 5th is far from over, with a ridge to cross and a Cape to shave...

Day 15: The IMOCA podium is complete in The Artemis Transat25.05.08

Greeted by race winner Loick Peyron, second-placed Armel Le Cléac'h and "clandestine passenger" Vincent Riou, who had been replaying the race while waiting for him, Yann Elies was radiant when his boat came to a stop alongside the Boston Harbor Hotel pontoon. Happy, but also relieved, the Breton skipper could finally let his joy out, after having lived the last 36 hours at sea under a Damocles sword. Would the mast hold until the end?

Day 14: Peyron makes history, Le Cléac'h strikes hard24.05.08

Having transferred Vincent Riou onto the race committee boat, Loick Peyron sailed Gitana Eighty across the finish line of The Artemis Transat in Boston and the Omega clock stopped counting at precisely 03:15:35 GMT this morning [Saturday, 24th May], claiming a third victory in the event as well as a new race record for this legendary sailor. A few hours later, Armel Le Cléach on Brit Air crossed the line in 2nd place...

Jean-Luc Nélias: Congratulations Loick24.05.08

Congratulations Loick. Being talented is one thing, but to win one also has to finsh. The whole Gitana Team is today receiving honours.

Historic third victory for Loick Peyron in The Artemis Transat24.05.08

Loick Peyron on board Gitany Eighty crossed the finish line of The Artemis Transat at 03:15:35 GMT on Saturday, 24th May. His arrival in Boston, USA, marks an historic achievement for this legendary French sailor. He is now the only sailor in history to have won this race three times (1992/1996/2008), exceeding the two-time record he shared with another French sailing legend, Eric Tabarly.

Day 13: History in the making23.05.08

Expected tonight around 21:00 local time (4:00 GMT), Loick Peyron looks to be on his way towards a third victory on the North Atlantic, and should become the first skipper to better Eric Tabarly's performance. Still very concentrated when we spoke to him this morning, Gitana Eighty's skipper knows Armel Le Cléac'h is very close behind him, and one cannot expect a relieved smile on Loick's face before the line is crossed and left in the boat's wake.

3rd victory?23.05.08

Loick Peyron is on the brink of claiming two historic records…

Jean-Luc looks at the final strategy...23.05.08

Jean-Luc Nelias our strategy analyst talks about local weather sources, whales on the route, communications technlogy and the final tactical calls as the leading boats approach Boston...

Day12: The final battle just started22.05.08

The possibility of an historic third victory by Loick Peyron is looming but there is still the chance for Brit Air to make a final attack in the approach to the finish line in Boston...

Jean-Luc on strategy...22.05.08

Fog, fog, fog...Jean-Luc looks at AIS, and what happened overnight and how it will effect this final phase towards Boston

Day 11: Storming along towards the gale21.05.08

They're simply expecting to take a beating - the leaders of The Artemis Transat, whilst sailing fast in reaching conditions, are keeping busy preparing their boats for what will be the fiercest gale of the race.

Jean-Luc looks at the end game21.05.08

Jean-Luc Nelias' own routing puts Brit Air and Gitana Eighty arriving at the same time in Boston! Here he looks the decisive moments to come in that new battle for victory...

Day 10: Vincent Riou abandons ship and is rescued by Loick Peyron20.05.08

Safe and sound aboard Gitana Eighty, Vincent Riou gave us an account of the events which led to his presence aboard Loick Peyron's boat... now in the lead.

Day 10: Clash of the titans 20.05.08

Race leader and Vendée Globe winner Vincent Riou says it himself, and the man is not exactly reputed for his tendency to exaggerate: "The gaps are negligible" - one couldn't be any clearer about the situation at the front of the fleet.

Jean-Luc Nélias's analysis: "The quartet shall become a trio"20.05.08

The three leaders have had a hard time crossing the ice gate, and are now reaching towards Nova Scotia. Tonight they should bump into yet another small ridge

Day 9: Straight (?) to the ice gate19.05.08

When will they finally get some rest, when will the boats will finally enjoy stable conditions, allowing the autopilots to perform the task they've been designed for? Bumping at mid-morning into yet another light patch - foreseen by our expert Jean-Luc Nélias four days ago - the leaders have to be on deck, trying to prevent the dreaded speedometer values downfall.

Day9: Jean-Luc's strategy analysis19.05.08

Its all about the temperature of your feet, boat breaking seas, giant whirlpools, and a 40 knot storm ahead...

Day 8: Race leader BT out, PRB moves into first place after the 36-hours blackout18.05.08

The big news this morning was naturally the retirement of Sébastien Josse, plagued by a broken mainsail headcar, and unable to climb up the mast given the sea state - the race certainly loses one of its great animators, yet the BT skipper managed to remain positive about the incident

Jean-Luc Nélias lifts the curtain on the blackout18.05.08

What happened in the secrecy of the blackout? Weather expert and strategy professor-in-chief Jean-Luc Nélias lifts the curtain.

Race leader Seb Josse pulls out18.05.08

At around 1530 GMT yesterday [Saturday, 17th May] during the blackout phase of The Artemis Transat, Seb Josse, skipper of BT, called his shore team to report

Day 7: Wind on the nose, wet, foggy and grey – and black(out): finally 'normal' conditions for The Transat17.05.08

The skippers are now sailing blind, with no position information until 0600GMT Sunday. The leaders the tactical options are straightforward, its just a question of keeping pedal to the metal to win some miles without the opposition knowing. For the rest of the fleet there are some real tactical choices to hide...

DAY 7: STRATEGIC ANALYSIS by skipper Jean-Luc Nelias17.05.08

Jean-Luc takes his daily look at the strategy of the day - the blackout having quite different effects for the IMOCA leaders, the second pack and the Class 40's...

Day 6: It's oh so quiet... for now.16.05.08

Voices of the high seas have been very quiet this morning - skippers had warned when contacted by Race HQ shortly before dawn, it had been a tiring night on top of 3 tiring days

Jean-Luc Nélias: "The winds won't be coming to the boats"16.05.08

This morning the leading pack is down to 5. Bit by bit the group is getting smaller. On such a prestigious race, with such a high level of skipper, the stresses of preparation, the different experience levels, physical injury, different generations of boats, broken material – have all combined to destroy hopes of a podium finish for some of the skippers already.

Day 5: Foncia out - "My first offshore race retirement", says Desjoyeaux15.05.08

At 14h45 GMT, Thursday May 15 2008, Michel Desjoyeaux contacted The Artemis Transat Race Direction to inform the team he had hit a whale and had to withdraw from the race. His position at the time of the impact was 46°24.59 N 30° 40.33 W

Day 5: The double ridge effect - is the fleet in for a re-start?15.05.08

Could this be a decisive moment in the race? Sébastien Josse's escape, revealed this morning by the first positions update, makes for the biggest gap seen within the leading pack since the start of The Artemis Transat, and it would certainly be very worrying for his rivals if...

Jean-Luc Nélias examines the ridge15.05.08

Of all the boats that you can race single-handed on, the IMOCA 60 is the most physical, and notably in light airs when the conditions are variable. In effect, there is a big wardrobe of sails onboard

Day 4: Uncertain tactics... and a positions blackout starting Friday night14.05.08

The leading pack is still amazingly tight in terms of distance to the finish, after more than 800 miles spent at sea. Tactically speaking, the big question of the day lies within the 80-mile latitude gap separating the top 6 boats:

Jean-Luc Nélias's tactical analysis14.05.08

Its not always easy to understand the track of the competitors in a solo race. Yesterday morning we could have imagined that Michel Desjoyeaux had an idea in his head

Morning update - Foncia back in the lead14.05.08

Last night's question now has its answer - Generali crossed behind Foncia at 4:00 this morning and dropped back into second place when Yan Elies gybed.

Day 3: Windy, wild and wet night 13.05.08

Tough night for the IMOCA fleet, caught under spinnaker by gusts up to 30 knots. High speeds but also high risks - aboard Safran, Marc Guillemot crash gybed and might be suffering from a broken rib. Despite the pain, the Breton skipper stays in the race and says " I really want to go to Boston, but..."

Strategic analysis, by Jean-Luc Nélias13.05.08

In the game of chess, the important skill is to be able to visualise the the moves a long time in advance. On a boat, its the same; you have to put your boat in the right place for the end game.

Marc Guillemot: "I really want to go to Boston" but...13.05.08

Probably suffering from a broken rib, Marc Guillemot described last night's wipeout but declared he did not consider pulling out of the race for the moment.

First morning update - Foncia leads a fast fleet13.05.08

As one could have expected yesterday evening, Michel Desjoyeaux - who slid back to windward of BT after having momentarily tried a more southerly course - moved into the lead...

Day 2: A close-fought battle for the Atlantic12.05.08

Light winds requiring constant attention on deck, thick fog and heavy traffic making for a stressful ride on top of the nervous tension generated by the tricky tactical situation...

Strategic analysis, by Jean-Luc Nélias12.05.08

Jean-Luc Nélias, skipper, weather specialist and strategy expert gives us his daily views and explanations on the tactical situation of the fleet.

Lizard Point - Mumm gate passage12.05.08

Ranking, elapsed time between Eddystone and the Lizard, average speed on the orthodromic route... Everything you need to know about the second portion of the course, between race gates 1 and 2.

And they're off!11.05.08

Given today by Mike Golding, winner of the 2004 edition, aboard the Royal Navy ship HMS Argyll, the start of The Artemis Transat was followed by 1,000 spectator boats.

The race course in figures11.05.08

With the ice gate in place due to the massive presence of icebergs South-East of Newfoundland, The Artemis Transat becomes a 2982-mile long course on the great circle route.

A matter of hours10.05.08

With 10 to 12 knots of easterly winds expected for the start of The Artemis Transat tomorrow, the 24 skippers entered are enjoying a relaxing last day ashore - "Its a relief to know we're not going to take a beating right after the line", notably said Armel Le Cléac'h - and the atmosphere around the pontoons at Sutton Harbour is very serene... for the competitors at least, because the huge crowds which turned up today in The Barbican certainly made for a very festive ambiance. Today we speak with the race's newcomers...

What not to miss in Plymouth for the start10.05.08

The pre-start activity in Sutton Harbour and Plymouth Sound Location of the startline Start sequence of flags, flares, sirens and cannon on board HMS Argyll Race course gates and prizes at Eddystone Lighthouse and Lizard Point

All set!09.05.08

With all the boats ready to go, it was still a busy day for the skippers entered in The Artemis Transat, as the official press conference this morning was closely followed by the briefing animated by the Race Direction team.

The Artemis Transat form guide, courtesy of James Boyd, www.thedailysail.com09.05.08

So the million dollar question: who will win the Artemis Transat in the Grand Prix IMOCA 60 class?

Jean-Luc Nélias strategic consultant for The Artemis Transat09.05.08

Being one of France's most prominent routers and navigators, Jean-Luc Nélias will provide a daily tactical analysis during The Artemis Transat.

The ice age08.05.08

Race direction announces a compulsory ice gate, Loick Peyron shares his view on the race and last minute entry Steve White tells us a bit about himself...

Steve White, the "13th man"08.05.08

"I only discovered sailing rather late - some 11 or 12 years ago - but I quickly decided I'd pack my job and make the Vendée Globe my ultimate goal."

24 boats at the start of The Artemis Transat, as Steve White becomes the 13th man in the IMOCA Class07.05.08

Steve White and Spirit of Weymouth officially enters The Artemis Transat, 2004 winner (ORMA) Michel Desjoyeaux shares his views on this 2,800 mile classic solo race, and Musto announces trophy for the first boat across the Atlantic (Lizard point – Newfoundland)...

The Artemis Transat fleet hit Plymouth and so do the crowds!05.05.08

The Artemis Transat race fleet of 13 IMOCA Open 60 boats and 11 Class40 boats have arrived at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth and so have the crowds – an estimated 25,000 of them over the opening weekend. Plenty of attractions bring thousands of visitors to the Race Village and the Ocean Racing Exhibition that forms part of the education programme. The inaugural Barbican Jazz & Blues Festival sits at the heart of the cultural programme with top-line acts performing throughout the start week.

The fleet are here and so are the public…04.05.08

The Bank Holiday and sunshine in Plymouth ensured plenty of visitors are enjoying the attractions of the Race Village, not the least the 24-strong race fleet who are now all berthed at Sutton Harbour with one week to go to the start...

A prologue in delivery mode04.05.08

Six boats enjoy prologue 'delivery' to Plymouth leaving Douarnenez, France at 1800 local time on Saturday. PRB was the first to arrive in Plymouth on Sunday morning...

Ten days and counting to the start of The Artemis Transat03.05.08

* Race fleet now heading to Sutton Harbour, Plymouth to arrive one week ahead of the official start on Sunday 11th May. * Ten boats to take part in the prologue race from Douarnenez (France) to Plymouth. * Race village opens Saturday, 3rd May encompassing an exciting mix of exhibits, education and entertainment. * Omega, main partner for 2004 edition, continue their association as official timekeeper * Car supplier, Renault and communications provider, BT, give key services in kind to the race. * Official race charity, Ellen MacArthur Trust, plan a proactive week down in Plymouth in build up to start.

Artemis runs out of time02.05.08

ARTEMIS OCEAN RACING RUNS OUT OF TIME Jonny Malbon today confirmed that Artemis Ocean Racing II has withdrawn from The Artemis Transat, starting on Sunday May 11 in Plymouth. The team has been working tirelessly to get the state of the art IMOCA Open 60 ready for her qualifier, and ultimately The Artemis Transat, but it has not been possible to complete the extensive list of checks and sea trials in time.

A world-class line up for The Artemis Transat25.04.08

- 25 skippers will be on the starting line on Sunday, 11th May - More than 270 Atlantic crossings between them - 6 different nationalities - A look back at 2000 and 2004 editions

PRB in top form but disappointment for Golding... 18.04.08

PRB skipper, Vincent Riou, completes race qualifier. Disappointment for IMOCA 60 skipper Mike Golding as keel issues force him to step down from The Artemis Transat. The Sutton Harbour Race Village plans were unveiled last week and this week the International Barbican Jazz & Blues Festival goes under the spotlight.

Golding not able to defend his title in The Artemis Transat...18.04.08

Mike Golding, the UK’s most experienced single handed sailor, will not be racing The Artemis Transat, a race from Plymouth to Boston that is to start on the 11th May 2008.

One Month to Go…11.04.08

- For a period of 36 hours at some point during the race, the positions of the boats will be kept secret. Why? Find out more below. - A look back in time to the 1984 and 1988 editions of race.

Race village plans unveiled10.04.08

Plans for the Race Village at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth for The Artemis Transat were unveiled today [Thursday 10 April] with one month to go to the start of this classic solo race across the North Atlantic.

Final stage of preparation for the Artemis Transat04.04.08

* Teams in final phase of preparation for The Artemis Transat and for some skippers that still means sailing a qualifying passage. * Musto, the brand of choice for extreme ocean racing, has been announced as Official Clothing Supplier. * A look back in time to controversy and tragedy in 1976 and the triumph of the mulithulls in 1980.

Class 40 entries continue to rise29.03.08

* British Sailor Simon Clarke becomes the tenth official Class 40 entry in the 13th edition of The Artemis Transat. * Plans for the Race Village at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth are taking shape. * A look at the 1968 and 1972 editions of the race that saw the invention of weather routing, a ferocious storm and the onset of the multihull age.

Facing the North Atlantic alone19.03.08

List of entries for The Artemis Transat now stands at 16 IMOCA 60s and 9 Class 40s who will face the North Atlantic alone. Even in May it can be a perilous place to be – see the tactical course analysis below...

SOLO SAILING GREATS GATHER IN LONDON…20.02.08

Some of the greatest stars from the world of solo sailing gathered in London today for the official launch of The Artemis Transat – the oldest solo ocean race in history and the precursor to this year’s solo Vendée Globe

BOSTON READY TO WELCOME THE ARTEMIS TRANSAT FLEET... 11.02.08

Two new entries now confirmed for the 13th edition of the race: Arnaud Boissieres with his Open 60’ Akena Verandas and Thierry Bouchard/ Mistral Loisirs-Elior in Class 40 category. With these two further French entries, the official entries now stand at 12 boats so far - six in Open 60’ and six in Class 40 – with the entry deadline of 15th February looming.

TWO NEW PARTNERS SIGN-UP TO THE ARTEMIS TRANSAT…23.01.08

G.H. Mumm and the Royal Navy continue their support of the oldest solo race in history & Fourth Class 40 entry confirmed as Groupe Partouche, Christophe Coatnoan and Ocean Eleven, Louis Duc...

FIRST OFFICIAL ENTRIES CONFIRMED PLUS A SNEAK PREVIEW... 07.01.08

This Friday, 11th January 2008 visitors to the Collins Stewart London Boat Show will get a sneak preview of The Artemis Transat 2008, ahead of the official launch on 20th February in London.

The Artemis Transat 200825.10.07

THE TRANSAT 2008: A NEW TITLE PARTNER AS THE LEGEND CONTINUES…

The Artemis Transat at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth22.10.07

August 2007, Sutton Harbour Plymouth confirmed as start port

The Transat 2004 - Review of a record breaking race02.10.07

Summary of a record breaking race

12d 11h 45m 35s

Generali 376nm

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