Norman skipper Alexis Loison was forced to retire after hitting an unidentified floating object during the Route du Rhum 2026.
The Route du Rhum 2026 has just experienced a cruel outcome for skipper Alexis Loison. On Wednesday, November 4th, while sailing his yacht Groupe REEL, the Cherbourg native hit an unidentified object that ripped off his starboard rudder. This serious damage immediately forced him to divert towards Port-la-Forêt in Finistère, a port he is not expected to reach until Monday evening.
In an interview with Ouest-France this Friday, the Norman sailor appeared particularly affected by this incident. "There was something beautiful to seek, but everything was swept away," he said emotionally. These words reflect the depth of his disappointment at a race that ended abruptly after a simple but devastating collision with the unexpected.
This retirement represents a blow for Alexis Loison, who had prepared this crossing with ambition. The Route du Rhum, an emblematic race in French sailing, requires meticulous preparation and unwavering concentration. The impact with this floating object unfortunately illustrates the permanent risks that sailors face out at sea.
The return to Port-la-Forêt will be long for the skipper, who must navigate in difficult conditions with damaged equipment. This additional ordeal adds to the frustration of a forced retirement. The entire maritime community is closely following the return of this determined sailor, who will nevertheless have shown courage by choosing safety over competition.
In an interview with Ouest-France this Friday, the Norman sailor appeared particularly affected by this incident. "There was something beautiful to seek, but everything was swept away," he said emotionally. These words reflect the depth of his disappointment at a race that ended abruptly after a simple but devastating collision with the unexpected.
This retirement represents a blow for Alexis Loison, who had prepared this crossing with ambition. The Route du Rhum, an emblematic race in French sailing, requires meticulous preparation and unwavering concentration. The impact with this floating object unfortunately illustrates the permanent risks that sailors face out at sea.
The return to Port-la-Forêt will be long for the skipper, who must navigate in difficult conditions with damaged equipment. This additional ordeal adds to the frustration of a forced retirement. The entire maritime community is closely following the return of this determined sailor, who will nevertheless have shown courage by choosing safety over competition.
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Source: Ouest-France