After a grueling passage across the Bay of Biscay, Transat AG2R veterans Bertrand de Broc and Gildos Morvan aboard Circle Vert are currently in fifth place.

LORIENT, FRANCE — The Bay of Biscay can be a turbulent place, and successive low-pressure systems since Sunday's start of this double-handed transatlantic dash have ensured just that for this fleet of identical Beneteau Figaro 30-footers. Currently, three of the original 42 entries have retired and five others have turned back to the mainland for repairs.
Leading the relatively bunched fleet, which is now inching its way around Cape Finisterre, French racers Jeremy Beyou and Pascal Bidegorry aboard Volkswagen Castrol have moved ahead of erstwhile leaders Sebastien and Nicolas Audigane aboard Galanz Four a micro onde. In 40-knot headwinds and confused seas, the fleet is averaging less than five knots and conditions aren't expected to abate until Saturday.
The demanding conditions have kept competitors busy with numerous on-board adjustments. In a call to race headquarters, Luc Poupon (sailing aboard one of two Fleury Michon's in the race) reported that he and Yves Pajot were continuing under a double-reefed main after tearing it some time earlier.
In fourth place, Ronan Cointo and Christophe report loving the heavy air. Except for a missing anemometer, the two have suffered no damage aboard Lissac Opticien. Cointo added that he is pursuing a westerly route, which race pundits agree will ultimately pay off when the competitors begin to steer a more southerly course to Madeira.