The start of the Transat Jacques Vabre is now set to take place on Wednesday 2nd November at 1500 hrs local time. The worst of the low-pressure area, which forced the organisers of the double-handed transatlantic race to postpone the start, is expected to be over by then. However, the first hours of the race to get out of the English Channel are likely to be very rough with a freshening 15-20 knot south south westerly, with squally gusts and a heavy swell coming towards the boats. After they have crossed the front associated with this deep low, the wind is set to veer north-westerly. This should allow the boats to make good headway pushed along by a west-north-westerly.