Yves Gillet, chairman of the Route du Chocolat association: « There were some great fights out on the course. I’m really satisfied with the way things went from a solidarity point of view. The projects of the associations are being set up and the event is meeting objectives which we set. 600 000 euros have been raised as a result. The level of commitment and spontaneity on behalf of the Yucatan people has got this race off to a good start. It has been a pleasure. Things are looking good for a second edition.»

Damien Grimont, organizer : « I should like to congratulate all of the skippers in the first run of the race for their sporting common sense and the ability to adapt to the spirit of the race. The Solidaire du Chocolat is not just another transatlantic yacht race on a new course. It is a new type of event highlighting the values of yachtsmen, discovery, sharing and adventure along with the legendary solidarity of the people of the sea. »

Bernard Duval, race manager : « I am perfectly satisfied with this first edition. In spite of very difficult conditions, the crews sailed sensibly and safely. All of the safety indications were complied with which meant that the race went well and and that the finishes were truly exceptional moments. »

Jacques Auxiette, Chairman of the Conseil Régional des Pays de la Loire : « It is essential for the economic, social and cultural development of the Pays de la Loire region that things happen on an international and European level. The region is outward looking. It has been behind the Solidaire du Chocolat yacht race from the beginning. Today we are enthusiastic about the commitments we are making to projects in a new decentralized cooperation with the Yucatan and Mexico. »

Tanguy de Lamotte (Initiatives-Novedia) : « I dedicate my first transatlantic victory on my boat to the little Cambodian girl Nana who was operated on just before the start thanks to the action of Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque,. Meeting her made an impression on me and gave me the force to keep going. Thank you to both of the sponsors who made this possible. See you two years from now. My title will be up for grabs! »

Victor Maldonado (Crédit Maritime) : « I am quite moved. What better way could there be to link France where I live to my country of origin. What an incredible experience. This race has done so much. What an incredible human adventure. The most important thing for me is that France and Mexico have been brought together and met one another via an ocean race, such a fine way to get to know one another. The exceptional welcome staged by my compatriots for my fellow competitors was no surprise to me. I am very proud and would like to thank them most sincerely. »

Felipe Cubillos (Desafio Cabo de Hornos) : « I have never seen a welcome quite like it before. It’s the first time I have taken part in a race which has so much heart to it. »

Damien Seguin (Cargill-MTTM) : « Since the start, the Solidaire du Chocolat has brought meaning to sailing competitively. Thank you to the Mexican people for their fantastic welcome waiting for us at the finish. »

Bruno Jourdren (Cheminées Poujoulat) : « A magical adventure. Mexico is a dream destination. The solidarity factor makes it exceptional. »

The Class 40 ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital - Saving Sight Worldwide sailed by the Brits Stephen Card and Shaun Murphy crossed the finishing line today Sunday at 10h32 French time with a race time of 34 days 17 hours and 42 minutes and an average speed of 6.1 knots. There were still quite a lot of people in Progreso to welcome the crew ashore, in spite of the fact that locally it was the middle of the night. They still received the now customary local welcome as the last boat to finish the Solidaire du Chocolat: guard of honour, hola, Maya ceremonies, dance and traditional music, Batoukada, from the first to the last boat, the organizers honoured the arrival of each boat in the same way never lacking in imagination. 

Weather forecast
over race area of Solidaire Chocolat 2009


General synopsis by November 20, 2009 at 00h
Low expected 1007 hPa 29N and 93W by 21/12h UTC, moving northeast. 
Light gradient of pressure about 1012 hPa. 
 
Weather forecast from November 20, 2009 at 9UTC to November 22, 2009 at 00UTC
North of East of YUCATAN (east du 87 west) :
East or Northeast 13/16kt veering Easterly 10/15kt at first, then East or Southeast 6/10kt. Sea slight or moderate decreasing. squalls.
 
North of west of YUCATAN (west du 87 west) :
Easterly 10/15kt, locally variable 2/5 kt near coasts, veering East or Southeast 5/10kt. Sea slight decreasing. squalls.


Further outlook for next 24 hours
Strong wind warning (> 33 kt) : None


Tropical activity
None

on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 07? UTC
Anne Couzinier

Météo-France

Weather forecast
over race area of Solidaire Chocolat 2009


General synopsis by November 19, 2009 at 00h
Light gradient of pressure about 1014 hPa.
East or Northeast moderate or light flow with coastal breeze.


Weather forecast from November 19, 2009 at 9UTC to November 21, 2009 at 00UTC
West of CUBA :
East or Northeast 13/17kt decreasing 10/15kt at end. Sea slight or moderate.
 
North of East of YUCATAN (east du 87 west) :
East or Northeast 10/15kt veering Easterly 8/12 at end. Sea slight or moderate. 
 
North of west of YUCATAN (west du 87 west) :
East or Northeast 10/12kt, locally variable 2/5 kt near coasts, increasing 10/15kt later, then veering Easterly at end. Sea slight. Squalls.




Further outlook for next 24 hours
Strong wind warning (> 33 kt) : None


Tropical activity
None

on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 07? UTC
Anne Couzinier

Météo-France

Weather forecast
over race area of Solidaire Chocolat 2009

General synopsis by November 18, 2009 at 00h
Light gradient of pressure about 1012 hPa.
Northeasterly moderate or light flow with coastal breeze.

Weather forecast from November 18, 2009 at 9UTC to November 20, 2009 at 00UTC
Southeast of CUBA :
Northeasterly 10/15kt locally East or Northeast 3/6 kt in northwest. Sea slight.
 
West of CUBA :
Northeasterly 10/15kt. Sea slight or moderate.
 
Northeast of YUCATAN (east of 87 west) :
Northeasterly 7/12kt veering East or Northeast 10/15kt. Sea slight or moderate. 
 
Northwest of YUCATAN (west of 87 west) :
Northeasterly 10/15 kt locally variable 2/5 kt near coasts, veering East or Northeast 10/12kt. Sea slight or moderate decreasing. Rain or squalls.


Further outlook for next 24 hours
Strong wind warning (> 33 kt) : None


Tropical activity
None


on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 07? UTC
Anne Couzinier

Météo-France

Shaun Murphy (co-skipper ORBIS): “We’ve probably done 115 miles in the last 12 hours. Unfortunately, we still don’t have enough breeze or enough speed. We’ve been monitoring the water, so as long as we get reasonable wind, we should be fine. We’ve probably got five days worth if we don’t go too slowly. If we hit a light spot, the Cayman Islands look favourable. We can always just cut down our intake, which is more of an inconvenience than a hardship. We can always rehydrate the body with beer and tequila in Progreso!”

Miranda Merron (co-skipper 40 Degrees): “Finally, we’re in Progreso. I’ve dreamt of this moment. The race was very long, but very interesting and we’re very happy with 7th place. Some parts of the race were really hard, like the string of six low pressure systems. Every day, Peter would ask me when the Trade Winds would appear, but they never came. We have given everything throughout the race. Yesterday was perfect, sailing off the wind along the coast. Our shore crew had hidden a stash of foie gras on board, which made it even better. Now, I’m dreaming of a beer…”

Peter Harding (skipper 40 Degrees): “The first 15 days of the race were really tough. However, the race was run on an excellent route and Miranda and I have had a great time.”

At 0810 GMT this morning, Peter Harding and Miranda Merron crossed the Progreso finish line on 40 Degrees taking 7th place.