Geneva’s Justine Mettraux (Teamwork.net) finished the Route du Rhum in a very good 7th place in Imoca. Alan Roura (Hublot) and Oliver Heer (OHOR) are still in the race. The Genevan should arrive on Wednesday in Pointe-à-Pitre, as for the St-Gallois he brings up the rear almost 2000 nautical miles (regarding 3700 km) from the finish, following having had to repair for several days.
Justine Mettraux, one of the 7 women out of 138 skippers at the start, achieved a remarkable performance. For her first participation in this mythical solo event, the 36-year-old Genevan reached the finish in Guadeloupe in 7th position following 12 days 13 hours and 26 minutes of racing. The sailor from Versoix, who took possession of her boat only 3 months ago, is one of the revelations of this 12th edition of the Route du Rhum.
Author of a good start, Mettraux clung to a group of pursuers who remained in contact with the leaders Thomas Ruyant (Linked Out) and Charlie Dalin (Apivia). The French fought an epic duel for victory, won by Thomas Ruyant in the Imoca category. These 60-foot monohulls are the ones that will take the start of the Vendée Globe in 2024, a solo round the world race that is the goal of most sailors involved.
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The 3 other Swiss still at sea
Alan Roura is currently sailing in 21st place. Also in the run-in period, he preferred to take risk-free choices and is still learning to handle his new monohull. Oliver Heer brings up the rear following being the victim of a collision only 2h30 following the start from St-Malo.
In the Class 40 category, Siomon Koster (Banque du Léman) was in 4th place. The Zurich resident had a complicated night from Sunday to Monday, and is currently trying to catch up with the top three.
