Last arrivals

An update from the Solidaire du Chocolat finish

The pace of boats finishing stepped up last night in Progreso with five Class 40s crossing the finish line of the Solidaire du Chocolat in the space of 12 hours.

True to form, the Yucatan public turned out in force to welcome the ten sailors ashore as only they know how. Celebrations took on a new dimension with the arrival of the emblematic French-Mexican crew of Patrice Carpentier and Victor Maldonado on Crédit Maritime. This race has been a true popular success in the land of the Mayas.

"Happy", "pleased"… All of those who have taken part in the race agree at the sensation they feel when they cross the Solidaire du Chocolat finish line. A wave of pleasure and satisfaction is felt at the end of this race unlike any other. The first running of this race is now drawing to a close but it will remain in their memories for the harshness of conditions, the lows and storms the fleet experienced between Saint Nazaire and Progreso.

The latest arrivals:

9th - Plan les enfants changeront le monde (Denis Lazat & Frédéric Nouel): 32d 09h 29min 00sec – 5d 16h 54min 00sec behind the winners (6.44 kts average speed)
- 10th - Axa Atout Cœur pour Aides (Erik Nigon & Marc Jouany): 32d 10h 53min 40sec - 5d 18h 18min 40sec behind the winners (6.43 kts average speed)
- 11th - Keysource (Mike West & Paul Worswick): 32d 11h 44min 00s – 5d 19h 09min 00s behind the winners (6.42 kts average speed )
- 12th - Crédit Maritime (Patrice Carpentier & Victor Maldonado): 32d 18h 54min 00s – 6d 02h 19min 00s behind the winners (6.36 kts average speed)
- 13th - Adriatech (David Consorte & Arnaud Aubry): 32d 20h 09min 00s – 6d 03h 34min 00s behind the winners (6.35 kts average speed)

The last crew still racing, Stephen Card & Shaun Murphy on Orbis, was 50 miles from Progreso yesterday evening and is expected this evening in Progreso.