The incredible St. Barth La Transat AG2R LA MONDIALE
Life goes on in St. Barth. Some things have not changed and that is the Maritime traditions that continue to take place – Irma or no Irma. We had the CataCup, the St. Barth Bucket Regatta, Les Voiles de St. Barth, the West Indies Regatta, and now the biannual La Transat AG2R LA MONDIALE is on its 17th day of the race.
The Transat AG2R is a transatlantic sailing race that takes place every other year. The departure point is Concarneau Harbor in France, and the finish is Gustavia Harbor in St. Barth, a total of 3890 miles. Each boat has only two crew members and are identically equipped 33’ Figaro Bénéteau II single-hull sailboats. It is amazing that so many sailing buffs scramble to find sponsors, spend three to four weeks in cramped quarters with as few supplies as possible so as not to weigh them down, and risk getting on each other’s nerves big-time. The challenge for the crew is to take advantage of the wind while determining the best route.
For the 2018 Transat AG2R, 19 boats left Concarneau on April 22, 2018, heading off to St. Barth where the islanders intently follow their progress. This year is extra special because our very own St. Barth resident, Miguel Danet (The St. Barth Sailor), is racing on Le Macaron French Pastries sponsored boat with Eric Perron.
As of today, the first boat is very near St. Barth and Le Macaron French Pastries is in 8th place. No matter what time of day or night, many people jump in their own boats and chase out to Colombier to give each finisher a hero’s welcome and a personal escort into port. Each boat is welcomed in the same exuberant fashion, from the first to last. The final true celebration does not take place until the last place boat finishes. And then, what a celebration! Awards, food, drinks, music and dancing, all of which takes place on the Quai Général de Gaulle with everyone kissing one another and congratulating all of the exhausted crew members who successfully completed the race.
Follow the race here: http://player.georacing.com/player_ag2r2018/
