The rankings are changing quickly and should not be taken for granted over the next few days as tactics to cross the Channel focus on speed. Monohulls and multihulls currently are trying to find their way amid challenging weather conditions in the Channel. The crews have to deal cautiously with a high-pressure system in the Bay of Seine and beyond to avoid losing ground.The pinpoints on the map charting the race show that several options were taken overnight by the monohull skippers to get out of this trap: head northwards around the system, stay on a direct course through it, or head South in an effort to pass beneath it. There are only 10 miles between the first and last boats of the Imoca fleet. So far, boats of different generations are sailing together. Surprisingly, the fleet of 40-footers is on the heels of the Imoca 60, benefiting overnight of the turn of the tide with gusts of up to 16 knots, shifting from northeast-east. These boats are opting for a direct route and their ranking moved dramatically. The 47 monohulls are now level with the tip of Brittany.The fleet is choosing among the same options and is spread between France and England with Pindar 40 (Royle / Barrier) the closest to the English coast.The starting gun fired at 1:02 p.m. sharp for the start of the multihulls race. With a northerly wind of 3 knots, Brossard (Y. Bourgnon / J. Vincent) and Crêpes Whaou ! (Escoffier / Fauconnier) crossed the line first in their respective categories. Contrary to the rough conditions typical for this time of year in the area, the wind has been playing a game of hide and seek. The high-pressure system hanging over Seine Bay provided light gusts that should benefit Groupama at the start. Later on the boats were showing nice average speeds of 7 to 10 knots, sailing in north-northeast wind of 10 to 12 knots. The first 8 Class 50 were only 100 miles away from Brossard with Crêpes Whaou ! leading, followed closely by Laiterie de St Malo.
