Clarisse Crémer Facing Tough Conditions Early On

After a safe and clean start yesterday on The Transat CIC, Clarisse, aboard L'Occitane en Provence, is already facing the weather challenges of the Atlantic. This morning at 9am, she is in 13th place in the overall standings, sailing at nearly 20 knots towards the northwest Atlantic under steady winds between 26 and 30 knots.

The calm of the start didn’t last for long. Rapidly, Clarisse had to cross a first front overnight as she left Brittany. A delicate phase requiring sail adjustments, with probably one or two reefs taken, to face this low-pressure system. The objective now is to get past this front to head towards a new low-pressure area (new front) present off the Irish coast. Two options will then be available to her: to dive into this system to benefit from a potential wind shift, but at the cost of very rough conditions, or to opt for a more cautious approach by staying a little further south, in winds that are a bit less strong but more stable.

And the challenges are only just beginning for Clarisse. Tomorrow, the conditions are expected to be rough with average winds around 30 knots, and gusts reaching up to 40 knots. Fast but uncomfortable sailing due to the angle of the wind. In addition to having to manage this turbulent crossing, the skippers will also be closely watching the high-pressure ridge that is looming. The challenge will be to identify the right moment to cross it, in order to limit the time spent in this windless zone, a crucial strategic phase of the race.

Despite these demanding conditions, Clarisse remains focused and determined. The objective is clear: to finish this Transat CIC and take another step towards securing her qualification for the Vendée Globe 2024.