2018 Route Halifax Saint-Pierre
July 12, 2018
For the first time since its creation in 2000, ROUTE Halifax Saint-Pierre has joined the magnificent setting on the Waterfront in the historic centre of Halifax for an amazing race start. “We want to get closer to the public to expand ROUTE Halifax Saint-Pierre and make the numerous visitors discover a high-level sailing competition and the charms of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, the small French Archipelago just 350 miles away from Halifax.” says Philippe Paturel, ROUTE founder at the beginning of the event on June 22.
Alongside cruiser/racer, regulars of the ROUTE, there was participation of pure racing boats such as CLASS40, a very active class in Europe and one developing in North America. With representation from both sides of the Atlantic, from several provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, United States, Europe, England, France Mainland and of course Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, the 2018 fleet is a unique one in the history of the ROUTE! On the entertainment side, French music and large screen video with the Festival “Saint-Pierre et Miquelon Des ilesd’exception” took the public for a journey to the small neighbouring French Archipelago. Successful! Lots of people were on hand to admire the boats and discover Saint-Pierre et Miquelon together with a strong interest for the ROUTE from the Canadian Media. Thanks Halifax Waterfront for your great welcome!
Spectacular race start on June 26 at 12.00 in front of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Numerous spectators on the Waterfront, ideal conditions with 15 knots of wind and sunny day. The 350-mile race to Saint Pierre et Miquelon is known to be athletic with strong winds when reaching the Ocean after Cape Breton and 2.50 m waves. Heavy conditions prevailed with the additional gift of a full moon lighting way. It takes only 33h 24min to the winner, “Esprit de Corps IV”, 60 feet VOR led by Gilles Barbot to cut the finish line, very close to the race record of 29h 30min, unbeatable since 2010. A real performance for the second and 1rst CLASS40, “Saint-Pierre et Miquelon-Oackliff Racing” led by Philippe Paturel arriving only 3 hours later and half an hour before the 2nd CLASS40 “Bleu 35” of Eric Tabardel! Amazing fight as well in the smallest boats category between the NACIRA 650 “Saint-Pierre and Miquelon Autour de l’Atlantique” of Rodolphe Victorri arrived only 11 seconds before the A31 “Ville de Saint-Pierre” of Gary Edwards and Peter Toi, and a memorable competition during their 50 hours of racing. “Extraordinary Champagne conditions” says Gilles Barbot. “We arrived under spinnaker, with 20 to 30 knots of wind and shinning sun, it was magic!” says Gaëlle, crew member on “Bella J” J133.
An unforgettable 2018 ROUTE for all the boats!
The whole Archipelago ready to welcome the boats of ROUTE Halifax Saint-Pierre, the Café de la ROUTE adorned with its new colors of wood, Blue, White and Red, the sponsors of the boats at the pontoon whatever the time of day boats arrive, the warmth and hospitality of the population of the Archipelago has been true to his legend, more than 100 volunteers ahead together with the City of Saint-Pierre. From the opening on June 26th, the Café de la ROUTE is always full with non-stop live concerts for a permanent party, population and crews together for encounters that remain in the hearts and a 5 days celebration!
