 MacArthur (left) with Britons Sam Davies (centre) and Emma Richards |
Ellen MacArthur's giant trimaran Foncia was first across the line in the multihull start of the Transat Jacques Vabres trans-Atlantic race. The 26-year-old, sailing with co-skipper Alain Gautier, led the 14-strong fleet out of Le Havre en route to Brazil on Wednesday morning.
The 60ft multihull fleet had been storm-bound for three days but set off in 20 knot breezes and flat seas.
The high-speed yachts could cover the 4,340 miles in about 12 days.
Foncia, with one reef in the mainsail, was followed over the line at 0900 GMT by Groupama, crewed by (Franck Cammas/Franck Proffit) and Bayer (Fred Le Peutrec/Julien Cressant).
As the fleet heads into the English Channel it is likely to encounter a low tracking east which could brings winds of 30-35 knots and large swells from the Atlantic.
The original start scheduled for Sunday was postponed because of force nine winds and huge seas but Saturday's start for the 17-strong monohull fleet went ahead as planned.
Britain's Mike Golding and Brian Thompson sailing Ecover were leading by 14 miles at 1300 GMT on Wednesday.
Three boats were forced to abandon the race in the first few days, including British yachtswoman Emma Richards.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 