Skipper Thomas Coville, very emotional, described the capsize of his competitor Armel Le Cléac'h as a "very great brutality" during the Route du Rhum.
The Route du Rhum was marked Tuesday night into Wednesday by a dramatic incident. Armel Le Cléac'h, navigator of Banque Populaire and competitor in the Ultim category, capsized in conditions that remain to be determined. At the time of the accident, he was in second place in his category, which makes the event all the more poignant for the entire competition.
Thomas Coville, skipper of Sodebo Ultim 3, did not hide his emotion facing this event. Interviewed shortly after the incident, he described the capsize as a moment of "great brutality," bearing witness to the solidarity that exists between navigators despite the competition. The two skippers know each other well and share a long history in the world of ocean sailing.
Rescue services were immediately deployed. Authorities confirmed that the navigator was safe and sound, which relieved the entire maritime community. Weather conditions in this area of the Atlantic were particularly difficult, with strong winds and rough seas that contributed to making navigation perilous.
This accident reminds us of the inherent risks of competitive sailing, even for the most experienced skippers. The Route du Rhum, which links Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre, is known for its often extreme conditions. The organizers ensured that all safety measures had been respected and that emergency protocols had functioned properly.
The rest of the competition now continues without Armel Le Cléac'h, leaving a void in the Ultim pack. The other skippers continue their race, carrying with them the thoughts of their colleague. The sailing community now awaits a more detailed report on the exact circumstances of this capsize.
Thomas Coville, skipper of Sodebo Ultim 3, did not hide his emotion facing this event. Interviewed shortly after the incident, he described the capsize as a moment of "great brutality," bearing witness to the solidarity that exists between navigators despite the competition. The two skippers know each other well and share a long history in the world of ocean sailing.
Rescue services were immediately deployed. Authorities confirmed that the navigator was safe and sound, which relieved the entire maritime community. Weather conditions in this area of the Atlantic were particularly difficult, with strong winds and rough seas that contributed to making navigation perilous.
This accident reminds us of the inherent risks of competitive sailing, even for the most experienced skippers. The Route du Rhum, which links Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre, is known for its often extreme conditions. The organizers ensured that all safety measures had been respected and that emergency protocols had functioned properly.
The rest of the competition now continues without Armel Le Cléac'h, leaving a void in the Ultim pack. The other skippers continue their race, carrying with them the thoughts of their colleague. The sailing community now awaits a more detailed report on the exact circumstances of this capsize.
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Source: Ouest-France