Low Pressure Leads to Course Changes for Offshore Sailing World Championship
by 2024 Offshore Double Handed World Championship 25 Sep 04:43 PDT
24 September – 1 October 2024
World Sailing Offshore Double Handed World Championship: Lorient Forecast 25 September 2024 © Predictwind.com
Racing for the Offshore Double Handed World Championship (ODHWC) kicks off today, Wednesday 25 September. A low-pressure system has moved into Lorient ahead of the start of the Département du Morbihan Race – Elimination Race One.
The initial start time set for 1600 (UTC+2) has been pushed back by one hour to 1700, and the originally planned 112 NM course has been reduced to about 82 NM.
During a crowded Skippers’ Briefing, Christophe Gaumont, ODHWC Race Director, explained the reasons behind the changes to the first elimination race. “By delaying the start by one hour, we can let the first low-pressure system pass,” stated Christophe Gaumont. “Shortening the course will help us avoid an area of rough sea and ensure a race finish before the arrival of the next low-pressure system,” Gaumont added. “Four low-pressure systems are forecast for the regatta, so we need to time our moves carefully.”
At the Skippers’ Briefing, PRO Paul Jackson detailed all procedures for the start of racing at the Offshore Double Handed World Championship. CROSS-A Etel Director Alexis Morel, who is also the Head of Coastguard for the Etel area, briefed participants on the Coastguard’s 24-hour monitoring of the race zone and the related procedures.
The stage is prepared for what promises to be a breezy world championship, and La Base Lorient serves as an impressive venue for an event of this caliber. It hosts up to 15 IMOCA teams, along with three Ultims and various Figaro and Class40 teams. Lorient La Base is a dedicated hub for offshore racing, featuring outstanding facilities just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean.
The Welcome Party for the 2024 Offshore Double Handed World Championship took place at Thomas Ruyant Racing’s IMOCA base in Lorient, where guests enjoyed a tour of the IMOCA Base led by Thomas Gaveriaux, Team Manager for TR Racing. All teams participating in the championship were invited to the stage to receive their identification banners for the event. Notable speakers at the Welcome Party included Patrice Valton, Vice President of Lorient Agglomeration; Fabio Muzzolini, ODHWC Project Manager; Christophe Gaumont, Race Director; Yves Ginoux, Yacht Club de France; Joe Lacy, RORC Flag Officer; Foad Zahedi, Cap Regatta; Katrina Ham, World Sailing; and Jean Passini, Class C30.
Stay updated on all the action at the Offshore Double Handed World Championship with LIVE TRACKING. For further information, visit www.lorientgrandlarge.org
