ARC+ Rally Report

by Bemjamin Monier, Catana Sales Manager 

Logbook Aboard Piment Rouge: At the Heart of the ARC+

“As I write these lines, it’s been four days since the start of the ARC+ on 10th November, at the same time as the Vendée Globe race began. I’m lucky enough to be aboard one of the outsiders in this 2024 edition: Piment Rouge, skippered by Pierre de Saint Vincent. A regular winner in previous editions, this year he is sailing under Catana colours aboard his new “Piment Rouge”, a Catana OC 50.  “   

We are currently north-east of Mindelo in the Cape Verde islands, with less than 230 nautical miles to go to the finish and are in the leading pack in the rankings.   

Last night was marked by quite a feat: we set a record with 251 nautical miles covered in 24 hours, making an impressive average speed of 10.4 knots.   

Right behind us, O’Vive, the second CATANA OC 50 in the rally, is pushing us to keep up a steady pace and doesn’t seem ready to let us win so easily! CARTE POSITION BATEAUX   

Thanks to a slightly different sail plan, notably featuring a symmetrical spinnaker, O’Vive is managing to reduce her distance to the finish by following a more direct course. As for us, we’re taking a more easterly position, which will mean some gybing ahead in the well-established north-north-easterly trade winds.   

The CATANAs have confirmed their place among the leaders and are determined to defend their reputation as high-performance catamarans!   

The atmosphere aboard Piment Rouge is simply fantastic! I’m getting to know passionate, competent people who know how to enjoy a good time.   

This only confirms what the owner says: “Piment Rouge is a big family from all four corners of the world, sharing unforgettable adventures aboard an extraordinary boat.”   

Sailing strategy plays a central role in the on-board discussions: analysis of the weather information, choice of routing, fine-tuning of the sail trim, and setting up a system of 3-hour watches, in teams of two, ensuring a continuous rotation throughout the day.   

A Catana OC 50 on Course for Victory

Time to Eat!

If there’s one thing everyone agrees on, it’s the cooking! And on this point, we can count on Vincent, Claire and Catherine to treat us to delicious home-cooked dishes. On tonight’s menu: marinated mahi-mahi, grilled in bite-sized pieces on the plancha, accompanied by red lentils, carrots cooked in coconut milk…   

The night watches are being carried out at a steady pace, with speeds frequently exceeding 16 knots. Initially illuminated by a discreet moon for the first few nights, then by a brilliant light for the last few, the glow creates a magical halo, reflected on the sails and the foam in our wake.   

As the miles slip by, the crew of seven has got to grips with the OC and adapted perfectly:   

“The sailing is fluid, the helm very convivial and well sheltered, ideal for night watches. In terms of performance, the boat planes easily yet remains gentle on the waves, which makes her very comfortable while enabling us to maintain good average speeds.” – Didier.   

The finish is just around the corner… all we have left is one last sunset, one last night at sea and a gybe in 25 knots of wind which will be decisive for the result…   

The Crew Aboard Piment Rouge: 7 Sailors, One Spirit, One Race

The crew join me at the end of this sea story in sharing our battle cry: “Piment, Piment, Piment, Piment rouge!”