Frenchies Lequin and Moreau back across the Atlantic

The catamaran arrived in New York in mid June, entirely dismantled, after a crossing in a container. Benoît was on the spot to receive it, then for many days they proceeded to the reassembling and technical adjustments of the catamaran with their assistant, Erwan Le Meilleur.

At the arrival of PYM, the team members launched into water and do the necessary verifications for a first navigation in front of Manhattan. The electronic on board and the automatic cast off system of hatchways, in case of important instability and especially adapted for this record, perfectly function.

The desalinators tests were also positive, they will provide vital water to navigators who will bring a few freshwater with them during the crossing.

Benoît and Pierre-Yves are spending two days test on sea, to validate the performances and the functioning of Octo Finances during navigation.

As soon as the weather conditions are better, the next step in New York will be to check the personal security equipment of sailors, as well as the supply of the boat. On board, everything is meticulously sorted in six waterproof compartments, which trapdoors are tagged with a food list, bag by bag. Food, mainly freeze-fried, will be rationed for 17 days of navigation.

For the two team members, stand by periods are a bit difficult, but they remain serene. “Now we look forward to leaving : the boat is ready, we are waiting for good weather conditions and for the approval of Christian Dumard, our route planner.” Pressure has not rised yet !

The same state of mind is shared within Octo Finances, the company of Arnaud de BOUROUSSE and Talabor SZABO. “After being stirred with their Dakar to Pointe à Pitre crossing record, the whole Octo Finances team can’t wait for the next departure of Pierre-Yves and Benoît in New York. We are all very proud to have put our colours on their ambitious challenge and we are with all our heart with them for this new adventure.”

This stopover is also the occasion for the Bretons to take pictures of New York at the feet of the Statue of Liberty : pictures and souvenirs are already there at the Cité de la Voile, in Lorient‘s harbour, just where was once built in 1863, then sinked by Germans in 1943, the « Isère » three-mast vessel, which transported the famous Bartholdi statue, emblem of the USA in 1885 !

 Press info AOS Communication / www.ocean-express.org/ny/