The route

Bay of Biscay, down along the Portuguese coasts, approaching the archipelago of Madeira, through the Canaries and the Cape Verde, approach of doldrums, shower’s control and Ecuadorian calm then sailing in the trade winds from south-east ... The Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50 is not a long sprint in the trade winds of the North Atlantic, but a clever mix of weather.

The Bay of Biscay...

The crossing is never easy. If wind blows from west / southwest in mid-September on the Atlantic coast are not widespread and are less frequent than in winter, it is impossible to exclude them. So we will say: high variability of weather at this period of year for the first 400 miles. But doubling the Cape Finisterre (north-west of the Iberian Peninsula) is always an experience. Continental shelf that goes back generating a sea which can be strong, cargo rail that is flush with the coast, the height of land that disturbs the airflow, the Spanish Cape course is a significant mark.

Portugal, Canary Islands, Cape Verde...

The north wind should logically be waiting for you along the coast of Portugal. You use the main sails and we try to head at full speed to the south. Should drag near the coast or slightly shift off? To each his own choice knowing that you must manage the sleep, fatigue and boat speed. You must also avoid violent crash in the bow in a wave not to break the material, such as bulk the spinnaker in the water with the boat lying. Small transition zone to retrieve the trade winds from northeast. Is it better to sail close to the African coast or very off? To each his own opinion knowing that the trade winds may gain some knots in a few miles ... Difficult choice knowing that the landing in Madeira, is not easy, especially if you arrive at night. From the Canaries to Cape Verde and then to the beginnings of the doldrums it is logically a big slide in the trade winds. Pay attention to the trade wind that quickly becomes a strong Force 6. Management of material and Islands’ lacks of wind when crossing the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. Should it be carefully crossed or bypass? Attention also between Cape Verde and the doldrums where tropical disturbances can be installed with stormy showers.

The doldrums...

The transition zone between the winds of the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere is a potpourri of weather conditions. Stressful calm zones with the observation of the sky and the water under a blazing sun for single occupancy or crises management with hectolitres showers falling from the sky and wind at 40 knots: everything is possible! Nerves set on edge and responsiveness demanded are the daily lot of single-handing sailors, knowing that a good passage of the doldrums can make you win or lose a race.

Southeast trade winds and Salvador de Bahia ... It is necessary then to head to winds, which are gradually moving from the exit of the doldrums. The aim of the operation is simple: the more you slip to the south-west, the more wind you get and more regular wins you have on your way. We must move fast, the winds come from the left, the last vessel can leave their pursue and gain miles quickly. The landing to the coast of Brazil is not easy ... Disturbed wind, trapping sandbank, and many poorly reported fishing nets, the relief is only in view of the finish line in the Bay of All Saints.

Some more information

Route: Charente Maritime / Funchal (Madera Island - Portugal) / Salvador de Bahia (Brazil)
Nautical miles: 1,100 miles between Charente Maritime and Madera and 3,100 miles between Madera and Salvador de Bahia corresponding to 4,200 nm. The Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6,50 is the longest Transat (Mini Classe) considering the history of the race
Kilometres: 7,800 km
Start date from Charente-Maritime: Sunday the 13th of September 2009
ETA arrival to Funchal (Madeira Island): Friday the 18th of September 2009
Departure from Funchal (Madeira Island): Saturday the 3rd of October 2009
ETA arrival to Salvador de Bahia (Brazil): Thursday the 20th of October 2009

The most interests of the first leg: The crossing of the Biscay Bay, down-navigation along side of Portugal coasts, approach of Madera archipelago and landing off Funchal coast.

The most interests of the second leg: The down-navigation to Canaries Islands and to Capo-Verde Islands using the North-East trade winds, approach of the Canaries and Cape Verdean archipelagos, Getting into the doldrums, crossing Equator, Getting into the South-West trade winds southern hemisphere side and approach of Salvador de Bahia.