The annual Transat CIC race kicked off with 48 skippers sailing from Lorient to New York, among them, Alberto Bona in the Class40 category, showcasing skill and strategic mastery in one of the world’s most demanding sailing competitions.
The start of the Transat CIC on April 28, 2024, marked yet another chapter in the intense and thrilling world of transoceanic solo sailing competitions. From the historic port town of Lorient in Brittany, France, 48 determined skippers set sail for New York, facing a daunting journey of over 3,000 miles across the North Atlantic.
This year’s race saw a diverse array of vessels categorised into the IMOCA, Class40, and Vintage classes, each to navigate one of sailing’s most challenging routes. The spectacle commenced with a strategic southeast course before skippers made their approach north, eventually leaving behind the Breton coast and setting sights towards the Atlantic depths.
Among those battling the fierce conditions is Alberto Bona, steering the Class40 IBSA. Onboard his eighth regatta in partnership with the Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company IBSA, Alberto’s cautious yet strategic start initially placed him amidst the mid-fleet. However, his adept sailing soon saw a rapid climb, and within hours, he reached fourth position. Given the high competitiveness and small participant count in the Class40 category, this race is a test of skill where even minor navigation choices can make significant differences. His boat, a Mach 5 model designed by Sam Manuard, features innovative design elements such as a scow bow and all-round hull, crucial for high-performance in rough tailwind conditions.
Bona’s participation in Transat CIC is part of the broader project “Sailing into the Future. Together,” established by IBSA in 2022. This initiative aims not just to excel in sailing but also to use the sport as a medium for promoting values like innovation, courage, and responsibility. The project also prioritizes environmental and social sustainability, focusing on inclusive sailing projects for individuals with disabilities. Alongside the sporting challenge, Alberto had previously marked considerable achievements including wins in various regattas such as the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Transat Jacques Vabre, which culminated in an overall first position in the Class40 International Championship.
The journey to New York is not just a passage through water but through fluctuating and often brutal atmospheric dynamics. Over the next dozen days, the sailors will encounter multiple low-pressure systems capable of producing winds up to 35 knots alongside waves that could reach six meters. Specific navigation restrictions have been set to protect marine wildlife near the Azores and mitigate risks near iceberg-prevalent zones and busy fishing areas near the Canadian coast. Each skipper must strategically maneuver these hurdles to safely and swiftly reach the finish line near the iconic Statue of Liberty.
As this rigorous and demanding race progresses, the global sailing community watches eagerly. Events like the Transat CIC not only test the limits of individual sailors but also underscore the advancements in maritime engineering and sustainable practices within the sport. For Alberto Bona and the Class40 IBSA team, reaching New York will symbolize much more than a race completion; it represents resilience, advanced preparation, and a harmonious synergy between man, vessel, and the vast, unpredictable ocean.