Saint Barth Assurances Allianz: A Family Affair

Some started to quietly admit that fatigue was beginning to set in after two intense days of sailing. But enthusiasm and the desire to compete were still running high as the boats set sail on Saturday morning for the Prix Saint Barth Assurances Allianz.Endurance was certainly needed today, as the race committee had concocted two very consistent races that provided a scenic overview of the island's most beautiful facets.

French Crews Surge Ahead

The morning race allowed the crews to show off their skills at high speed. They had no choice but to be good in every aspect of the game. The pace was very fast, with the leaders covering the 14 miles in just one hour and twenty minutes. And the French crews were in particularly good form this morning, with two of them reaching their goal ofa place on the podium.

Tim Mourniac-Pierre-Yves Durand (Segeco) had been waiting for their first victory since the beginning of the week. And to be perfectly honest, we were waiting as well, knowing how talented they are! "It's true that Pierre-Yves and I were finding our feet a little at the start of the Cata Cup: we had a few minor technical glitches and then we just didn't sail very well,“ admits Tim. Clearly, the two friends have found the throttle and the keys to their success. ”This time we managed to make our comeback and get to the front of the fleet at the most important passages," says the Segeco skipper.

On the second step of the podium: the indestructible duo of Henri Demesmaeker and Rasmus Rosengren (97TP Services),who stuck to their own strategy:consistency above all.

French sailors Gurvan Bontemps and Fred Moreau (Stickeman) also made their first appearance on the podium this week, which made the duo from Brittany very pleased with their performance: “We were in the top 10 at the first mark, and we had a great run out to Frégate,” explains Fred Moreau. “We worked really hard with Gurvan, tacking with the spinnaker. It was a close battle between Boeuf and Colombier, and we snatched victory on the last tack before the finish. It's great to be on the podium, but it's a bit tough for us. The others are very, very strong, that's for sure, and we're missing a few little things, a few small transitions that we don't do as well as they do; it's all down to small details.

And They’re Off For Another Tour

For the second part of thePrix Saint Barth Assurances Allianz, the race committee surprised everyone by announcing a new tour around the island, this time in an anti-clockwise direction; a format rarely used in this competition. Yet it didn’t seem to upset the racers, as they had gotten the lay of the land yesterday.

Downwind, reaching, and upwind—lots of upwind—this race was extremely demanding, especially for some crew members who came back exhausted, worn out, and weary.

It was a very inspiring day for Tim Mourniac and Pierre-Yves Durand (Segeco), who clinched second place ahead of Jean-Christophe “Papa” Mourniac and Benjamin Amiot (Gypsea), who were beaten to the punch at the post in the final stretch: "It's so tough! With the two races, including the reverse tour of the island, with a large majority of upwind, so yes, it's tough. On top of that, we were battling it out with the young guys, so we had to compensate a little. But it's okay, we did well, Benjamin was excellent! We're really happy and very satisfied with what we did because we led for most of the race!"

Prix Saint Barth Assurances Allianz

Two races, two victories: It’s not surprising that Tim Mourniac and Pierre-Yves Durand (Segeco) took home the Prix Saint Barth Allianz Assurances. “It was very physical,” Tim noted at the finish line. "Both races were extremely demanding. We experienced practically every type of tack you can have in Formula 18: tight tacks under spinnaker, unrestrained tacks on the reach where your partner has a lot of work to do. Leeward, it's no less relaxing because the wind is very irregular, so you have to change the settings constantly. In short, you have to adapt all the time. We were very busy, as were our brains, because we had to find the right moves. We're happy to be back on the road to victory. Above all, we're happy to have regained our communication on board and the pleasure of sailing together."

This evening, all eyes are on the overall standings for this17th edition. The duoof Henri Demesmaeker/Rasmus Rosengren (97 TP Services) are serious contenders for the victory, with 5 points ahead of Tim Mourniac and Pierre-Yves Durand (Segeco). Third place is still in play between Australiens Brett/ Pullman (Le Barthélémy Hotel) and Colby/Colman (Super U - U Express Oasis).

Yet it’s too early to make predictions. If the committee sends out two races on Sunday morning, anything could still happen... In sailing, as we know, it’s not over until it's over.

Schedule: Sunday, November 23

• 10am: Prix Super U - U Express Oasis
• 7:30pm: Awards for the Prix Super U - U Express Oasis
• Awards ceremony for the 17th Edition of the St Barth Cata Cup
• Dinner at Gypsea Beach
• 9:30: Closing night– Open to the public
• The Love Boat Party - Dress code: Nautical(get your costumes ready)