Just a month after the start of the Vendée Globe, on 6th December in the middle of the Indian Ocean to the north of the CROZET Islands, Kito DE PAVANT and his Bastide Otio hit an unidentified floating object. The damage was fatal for the boat and the skipper was forced to abandon the race and his monohull.... Fortunately, the French vessel, the MARION-DUFRESNE, which delivers supplies to the French islands in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, was sailing close to the area when the incident happened. Kito was rescued and taken aboard the ship, which continued her delivery trip. A few months later, they were able to watch the videos recorded on the hard disk aboard the boat, and discovered that the unidentified object was in fact a sperm whale, which was clearly visible in the wake of the boat. You can watch the video here. Hang on tight!
Following a violent collision last Wednesday evening, British Vendee Globe skipper Sam DAVIES (Initiatives-Cœur) sustained significant damage to the framework supporting the keel of her IMOCA. In consultation with her team, she made the decision to stop in Cape Town (South Africa).This morning as she arrived in Cape Town she confirmed by video at 0900hrs UTC that she is officially retiring from the race. But she says she is determined to return - after making repairs with her team and experts - to complete the race course as 'hors course', unclassified on the solo race which forbids any kind of outside assistance.
The ultra large container ship Hong Kong Express collided with general cargo ship BBS Sky on 10 nautical miles off Hollum, Netherlands. The both ships were heading in northern direction and accident happened during overtaking. The container carrier suffered no damages, while the German general cargo ship BBS Sky got small scratch above the waterline, but remained seaworthy and continue her voyage. The local authorities were informed about the duty officers of both ships about the collision, but after it was estimated the damages are minor, vessels were released to resume voyages and will be inspected in the next port of call.
Team Telefónica and CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand have mutually agreed to drop plans to lodge protest against each other following a nail-biting finish in the first stage of Leg 2.
Charging through the Indian Ocean at high speed and in total darkness, nothingness ahead, nothingness around. Speed is good, sailing is sublime. And then… BANG!
Charging through the Indian Ocean at high speed and in total darkness, nothingness ahead, nothingness around. Speed is good, sailing is sublime. And then… BANG!
The team at ARKEA PAPREC and French skipper Sébastien SIMON have confirmed he has abandoned his Vendée Globe. Last Wednesday morning at 0820hrs UTC his IMOCA hit a floating object and badly damaged his starboard foil and its housing. The boat has had a steady ingress of water which SIMON has largely dealt with. But with repairs seeming to be extremely complicated and probably requiring the foil to be cut into pieces, Simon and his team made the tough decision that he will give up.
SIMON is on his way to Cape Town. He should reach the South African bay overnight from Saturday to Sunday.
Having struck something in the water last night Sam DAVIES this morning is heading out of the worst of the weather and the sea state to further assess the damage to Initiatives Coeur. She spoke to Vendee Globe HQ this morning.
British skipper Sam DAVIES informed her team that her IMOCA Initiatives Coeur had struck a floating object at around 1900hrs UTC this evening. She is heading north at reduced speed and will inspect her boat to assess the damage and discuss actions with her team. Sam DAVIES is unhurt.