More Finishers

Garnier, sailed by Belgian sailor Patrick de Radigues sailed across the finish line off Torbay this morning at 06:53:18 local time (05:53:18 UTC).

It was a relief for de Radigues to take the final podium slot. The last 24 hours had been intense racing with first Tiscali leading the way towards Torbay, and then a charge from Emma Richards on Pindar threatening to take third place. Early yesterday morning Simone Bianchetti on Tiscali took a difficult tack south and dropped out of contention, and Emma’s charge from behind was too little, too late leaving a relieved Patrick to round out the top three for Leg 1.

Thirteen minutes after Garnier crossed the finish line, Emma Richards sailed into Torbay. It was an amazing come-from-behind move for the 27 year old Scottish sailor who had been in 6th place for the last few days. Her position to the south of the fleet allowed her to sail a better wind angle and she roared first past Graham Dalton on Hexagon, and then Bianchetti on Tiscali. A delighted Richards smiled as she crossed the line clearly pleased with her performance. “I am tired but happy to be in Tobay,” she said, and then added, “very happy.”

The next yacht will be Tiscali followed by Hexagon. At the last poll Tiscali was 40 miles from the finish and Hexagon 95 miles. The ETA for Tiscali is 11-o-clock local time.
The leading boat in Class 2, Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America sailed by Brad van Liew is expected to arrive in Torbay in the early hours of Monday morning.