After having had a problem with the keel of the 800 during the Duo Concarneau which immobilised the boat at the boatyard, Irina Gracheva found a way to line up at the start line.

Irina, could you explain why it’s important to you to do the MAP ? And how do you approach the race?

« For me situation for MAP is tricky now. The race is important for many reasons. My personal reason – I really love Douarnenez and the atmosphere in Winches club. It’s always friendly, we feel welcome and I was in love with races here from first time I arrived in 2018. Sport reason is to finalize my participation in French championship en solitaire. It is personal result and I am allowed to continue with another proto. Now I am on first position in Championship and I would like to make everything to keep it. This year was very difficult for any foreign competitor and I already put all my efforts to get good boat, to sail fast and strong, to be in France for all races. And MAP for me is very important race to be sure I did everything what I could. My boat for MAP is an old proto, build 2003, with old original sails. Boat didn’t race from 2008. We don’t expect to arrive fast, but I see it as very nice opportunity to sail boat in his original state and to feel same as sailors in 2003-2008 did feel. And I see it as Spirit of Mini. I got this boat from Remy and it was very kind of him. Remy and his wife did a lot during this year to make 433 to be racing boat again, but work to bring him in perfect state is not finished yet »

Traduit par www.abitrad.fr