National Sport | Gabart and Joyon do not let go

Who of the young sailor Gabart (Macif), holder of the record of the round the world solo (42 d 16 h), or the veteran Joyon (Idec Sport), holder of the record of the crewed world tour (40 d 23 h), will be the winner of the 11th edition of the prestigious transatlantic solo?

The advantage is Gabart, the youngest skipper (35 years) in the category of the most powerful boats, the Ultimate (maxi-trimaran 32 m long and 23 m wide, some of which can fly).

At the last scores of Saturday 20:00 (time in metropolitan France), Gabart was 597 miles from the finish (1105 km).

And stuck to its basques, about 105 nautical miles (about 194 km), Joyon, a 62 year old sailor who gives everything he has despite a boat older than that of his main rival (12 years for that of Joyon, 3 years for that of Gabart).

"Francis (Joyon) does not loose anything but it's normal. If I were him, I would do the same thing! Because as long as the finish line is not crossed, you have to be fully cash and try everything to the end, "Gabart said during a session on Saturday with the PC race.

Tricky arrival

"But I will do everything to stay in my place! It's true that my lead, with boats at 30 knots, is not much. The fact that Francis is right there, necessarily, it pushes me, "he continued before adding:" In fact, I'm thoroughly, really thoroughly but managing the risk

For its part, Joyon, who takes part in its 7th Route du Rhum, knows more than anyone that the arrival on the island of Guadeloupe is tricky.

"I smell the smell of Guadeloupe! The arrival in Guadeloupe is traditionally very tactical and you can lose several hours completely stopped. I knew it well and badly. In 2014, with Yann Eliès, I was able to pbad but, in the other edition, I was stuck completely, "he recalls.

After reaching Tête à l'Anglais, north of the island, the two sailors will have to round the island and avoid many traps, like pebbles, to reach the finish line.

According to the latest estimates, the winner could be crowned between 16:00 and 18:00 local time, between 21:00 and 23:00 in metropolitan France.

And even if Gabart, on his last generation boat, maintains his lead over Joyon, Sunday could be a great duel between these two big names in offshore racing.