Thomas Normand off and running in the Transat 6.50 Race

Created in 1977 by Bob Salmon, the 18th edition of the La Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50 race began on Sunday September 25 at 17.17, off the coast of the French Charente-Maritime, heading for Salvador de Bahia (Brazil) via Funchal (Madera/Portugal).

This extreme transatlantic solo race is run without routing, contact with the mainland or assistance. In all, 80 sailors from 16 countries (10 nationalities) started the 4200-mile race (7800 km) on 6.50 meter-long sailboats. 33 prototypes and 46 standard production boats are competing in the event. It’s an “initiation” for 65 of the sailors and a return for 15 competitors who have decided once again to take up the challenge of this unique race, which has revealed some of the world’s greatest skippers: Michel Desjoyeaux, Ellen MacArthur, Loïck Peyron, Laurent Bourgnon, etc.

The adventure will last about a month for the fastest boats, expected to cross the finish line in late October or early November.

Dominique Ceolin (the boat’s godfather) was at the start on Sunday to cheer on Thomas Normand on the MINI FINANCIERE DE L'ECHIQUIER, a powerful and streamlined boat that was christened in March 2010.

To find out more about our skipper and keep up with the latest events in the race, you can check out two dedicated Web sites:

- Thomas Normand: http://www.thomasnormand.com

- Transat 6.50: http://www.charentemaritime-bahia.transat650.net/fr