APIVIA, winner of the '48 Heures Azimut' Solo ranking

As predicted, the Verdier design spatulated bow crossed the finish line set offshore of the Pointe du Talud just before sunrise this morning. In a light and chilly N’ly breeze, skipper Charlie Dalin was the first to complete the 200-mile climb upwind from Waypoint 2, which he was also first to round yesterday at 09:45 hours. It proved to be a crucial point in the race. Indeed, having opened up a lead of around ten miles during the boisterous descent of the Bay of Biscay overnight on Thursday, Apivia saw her lead melt away in relation to her immediate rivals. Charal and LinkedOut were less than 3 miles astern at that stage and it was game on once more.

However, Charlie Dalin managed to keep a cool head, holding tightly onto the top spot he first secured just one hour after the race start in Lorient on Thursday. Controlling the fleet tack for tack, Apivia extended away again on a point of sail where she’s known to be untouchable since the start of the season. Charlie therefore wins this 48 Heures Azimut hands down with mastery and determination.

At 7:37am this morning, Thomas Ruyant, skipper of LinkedOut, crossed the solo 48h Azimut finish line 48 minutes and 36 seconds after the first finisher Charlie Dalin (APIVIA). He finished the 505-mille race in 1 day 16 hours 40 minutes and 22 seconds with an average speed of 12.47 knots.

Jérémie Beyou on Charal crossed the line less than 10 minutes after LinkedOut at 7:46 hours. He completed the race in 1 day 16 hours 40 minutes and 22 seconds with an average speed of 12.42 kts.