The French legend Pen Duick VI FR (14), skippered by the indomitable Marie Tabarly, has taken provisional line honours in the final leg of the inaugural McIntyre Ocean Globe Race – and in the days ahead could potentially win the OGR Overall! At 22:52 UTC, 11th April, the stunning black-hulled, 73-foot Bermudan Ketch, revered amongst sailors around the world sailed gracefully across the Royal Yacht Squadron finish line in Cowes, UK. With Marie at the helm, leading her loyal troops, it was fitting that this yacht, sailed by her father Éric Tabarly in the 1973 Whitbread Round-the-World Race, should take line honours in such style. With almost a two-day lead on nearest rival L’Esprit d’équipe FR (85) for line honours, Pen Duick VI’s dominance on the final leg is unquestionable.
The French legend Pen Duick VI FR (14), skippered by the indomitable Marie Tabarly, has taken provisional line honours in the final leg of the inaugural McIntyre Ocean Globe Race. Photo: Aïda Valceanu/ OGR2023
Arriving in 12 knots of wind and strong tidal currents Marie, first mate Tom Napper and the ten determined crew onboard looked both relieved and immensely proud of their epic achievement. Maire had stated from the very beginning that once there was wind Pen Duick VI would shine and she was correct. For the final leg Marie’s strategy was “to go fast, fast, fast and we accelerate at the end”. Clearly a winning strategy!
Speaking on the pontoon after a difficult docking at Trinity Landing due to the extremely strong currents, Marie spoke with passion about her round-the-world experience.
