| Reunion. Maud de Fontenay and L’Oreal Paris set off to beat Dee Caffari's round the world time |
|
|
|
|
; "Maud Fontenoy leaves Reunion. Crédit photo: AFP/R.Bouhet")
| Sunday, 15 October 2006 | |
|
Translation Marian Martin: At 11h 33min 36s UTC, today, solo sailor Maud Fontenoy, on board L’Oréal Paris crossed the start line for her round-the-world solo attempt, against the prevailing winds and currents. The project’s godfather Patrick Poivre d’Arvor, her family, friends and many admirers accompanied the yacht, as it left in brilliant sunshine and a light wind. Also in attendance were the French Navy patrol boat, La Boudeuse, which last month saved 46 people who were shipwrecked off Mayotte, and an SNSM high speed lifeboat. Maud made hoisted the 170 sq mtr mainsail, which requires 45 minutes of intense effort, before saying goodbye and heading her 26 metre aluminium yacht towards the Indian Ocean. Commenting on the force 7 winds, which are forecast for tonight, Maud said "What awaits me will be a bit difficult and painful. It is a little stressing to know that the first days will be hard. The first week is a big stage in this kind of navigation; I know that from my two ocean rowing crossings. There are moments when one a little sick, tired, dehydrated, very stressed, because the morale is low just after you’ve left behind everything you are used to.” Her brother Roch Fontenoy said "I know she will give it her best, if she doesn’t do it, that will be down to some technical problem. It is, maybe, a crazy adventure, but I her for having the courage to undertake it. Many people would like to do great things, but don’t dare. Maud deserves to succeed.” |
|
| Last Updated ( Sunday, 15 October 2006 ) |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|