Second leg win for Le Cleac'h

Armel le Cleac'h back in charge at the Solitaire du Figaro

At 02:44:40 Armel le Cléac'h and his BritAir claimed the second leg of La Solitaire du Figaro into Brest. This is the Breton skipper's second leg win putting in a firm place to claim this year's race, which would be the second time he has claimed the title.

Le Cléac'h took 2 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 40 seconds to cover the 385 miles between Gijón, Spain and Brest at the northwesternmost tip of France.

Le Cléac'h commented: “it’s becoming a nice tradition this champagne bottle… What an intense race, endless I would say. Towards the finish I was a bit stressed, but crossing in first is such a joy.” And about the race: ”We had to manoeuvre a lot, change sails, make strategic choices. I took my chances and seized the initiative, tried to be one step ahead and I realized the my opponents in a way were following me… that’s why I could stand up to the finish. I had to be careful with François (Gabart) and Jérémie (Beyou) which were with me in the front with me. And I can keep my first overall. It was very physical, very tiring up to SN1, we had 35 plus winds, heavy swell, you had to steer and it was nearly impossible to sleep. You had to endure all that. Luckily after Groix, the swell eased off and I could have some rest, taking 20 minutes max naps. All in alla I think I slept 3 or 4 hours.”

On his victory, Le Cleac’h commented: “I’m exhausted and thrilled because the last months have been fantastic for Brit Air and it proves that all the work we’ve done with the team is paying us back. As for now I’m contented with the result, we’re only half stage, I guess I have to wait until Kinsale, it’s too early to judge, I need to go on sailing well and enjoy the race."

Finish times into Brest: 

Combined leg 1 and 2 times