Young MINI/FIGARIST Sailors Secure Class40 Victory in Rolex Fastnet Race

In a thrilling and tightly contested race, the young sailors from the MINI/FIGARIST class showcased their exceptional talent and determination, emerging as worthy winners in the Class40 category of the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race. The Class40 fleet, boasting an impressive variety of designs and builders even after two decades, delivered some of the most intense offshore racing throughout the event. After three days, ten hours, twenty-two minutes, and two seconds of grueling competition, it was Erwan Le Draoulec's Everial, a 2022 vintage Verdier-designed Pogo S4, that claimed victory. The crew of four, with an average age of just 26 (including Le Draoulec, Julien Herey, Pep Costa, and Robin Follin), showcased their prowess, breaking the Class40 record by a mere five minutes and 23 seconds, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats until the very end. The challenging race saw some of the boats being called over the line at the start, resulting in penalties that reshuffled the leaderboard. Ambrogio Beccaria and Nicolas Andrieu on Alla Grande Pirelli, along with Dékuple, raced by William Mathelin-Moreaux and Pietro Luciani, put up a fierce fight, but it was Everial's strategic gybe northeast that proved to be the decisive move, catapulting them to victory. The closely knit and hard-fought racing in the Class40 fleet echoed the spirit of the Figaro class, with many sailors transitioning between the two, including the triumphant skipper, Erwan Le Draoulec. Reflecting on their win, Le Draoulec expressed their appreciation for the challenging conditions and the remarkable teamwork that carried them through the race. Their incredible downwind speed and their ability to adapt to the changing conditions earned them a well-deserved triumph. The Class40 category yet again demonstrated its competitive edge and its status as a breeding ground for the most promising young offshore racers, ensuring a thrilling spectacle for sailing enthusiasts worldwide. #RolexFastnetRace