By Matthieu Guibert & Nicolas Eudeline – AFTor
Photos: Antoine Dujoncquoy
Day 1 – Light wind, long waits
Wind: S 13–16 knots shifting W, softening.
Start: 2 PM, rising tide.
The line was tight and busy, with two starts: one for the 25 Nacra 15s, and the second for the C1 fleet (Viper, F16, F18). Despite three hours on the water, only two races were completed due to a stubborn right shift, multiple general recalls, and re-anchoring delays. Wind dropped mid-session, leaving a patchy and tricky “clap” to manage. The winning move: staying centered, despite right-biased breeze and current.
Top Tornado: Jean & Gaël on FRA171, best of the five Tornados.
Day 2 – Shifty breeze, packed line
Wind: ENE 8–10 knots, oscillating NE–ENE.
The start was delayed due to wind instability.
The fleet saw chaotic starts, frequent contacts, and black flag general recalls. More pressure favored the left of the course, but timing and positioning were key.
Four races were run, allowing the Tornados to settle into a rhythm.
FRA171 maintained the lead, but FRA264 (Laurent & Olivier) and FRA131 (Jean-Luc & Yannick) were close behind.
GER100 (Guillaume & Mathilde) fine-tuned their setup, while FRA279 (Nico & Matthieu) struggled in the light air. Still, the spirit stayed high: we’re here to race, but also to enjoy good times with friends.
Day 3 – Coastal “raid” in low pressure
Wind: SSE 6–8 knots, with expected lulls.
Course: Mini-raid around Houat, avoiding a full offshore loop.
The 120 crews departed on a double line near Carnac. The course took them around Banc de Quiberon’s north cardinal, past Le Petit Trého buoy, to mark A, and back to the YC Carnac finish. Light breeze and dropping tide meant staying in pressure and sailing smart angles was crucial.
FRA264 had a stellar start, rounding 4th at Banc de Quiberon. However, lighter F16 and F18s crept ahead by the finish.
Result: FRA264 scored 10th overall and 3rd in C1. All Tornados finished in the top 25%—a great showing in light conditions.
Day 4 – Finally, some action!
Wind: NE 18–25 knots, gusty and shifty.
The breeze finally delivered! Only the C1 and F18 fleets raced on this final day. High commitment at the start, many capsizes (though none among the Tornados). Crews pushed hard—wet spinnaker work, physical transitions, and thrilling downwinds.
Three races closed the regatta on a high note. The finale was challenging but fun, letting everyone stretch out and trapeze at last.
Conclusion
Gathering 5 Tornados for Eurocat’s season opener was a real success. The conditions varied, but didn’t stop us from improving together, enjoying the races, and sharing camaraderie— big thanks to the Yacht Club de Carnac and its 100+ volunteers for an excellent organization.
Here’s to more Tornado fun and racing in 2025!
