Back in Roscoff to repair his trimaran, Romain Pilliard gives his version of the accident involving Violette Dorange shortly after the start.
Romain Pilliard, skipper of Use It Again, returned to Roscoff after the collision with Violette Dorange's Initiatives-Cœur sailing vessel, which occurred shortly after the start of the Route du Rhum. Now on land, he is working on repairing his trimaran in the hope of resuming the race. In an interview with L'Équipe, he gave his version of events, while avoiding condemning his competitor.
According to the sailor, his boat was at that moment virtually unmaneuverable. Under these conditions, he believes, it is up to other sailors to get out of the way. This position clarifies the circumstances of the collision, without definitively settling responsibilities. Technical assessments and any potential procedures should provide more clarity in the coming days.
Violette Dorange, for her part, continued on her way after the incident. Her boat apparently suffered only minor damage, which allowed her to continue the race. The young skipper has not yet publicly responded to Romain Pilliard's statements, but exchanges between the two camps could take place within the framework of the race organization.
For his part, Romain Pilliard is focusing on restoring his trimaran to racing condition. The objective is clear: return to sea and complete this Atlantic circumnavigation, even if the schedule looks tight. The technical team is already working to assess the extent of repairs needed.
This incident once again raises the question of safety during offshore race starts. Dense conditions and the excitement of the early hours can lead to contact, as this episode shows. However, skippers remain the primary judges of the situation, and each gives their own interpretation of events.
According to the sailor, his boat was at that moment virtually unmaneuverable. Under these conditions, he believes, it is up to other sailors to get out of the way. This position clarifies the circumstances of the collision, without definitively settling responsibilities. Technical assessments and any potential procedures should provide more clarity in the coming days.
Violette Dorange, for her part, continued on her way after the incident. Her boat apparently suffered only minor damage, which allowed her to continue the race. The young skipper has not yet publicly responded to Romain Pilliard's statements, but exchanges between the two camps could take place within the framework of the race organization.
For his part, Romain Pilliard is focusing on restoring his trimaran to racing condition. The objective is clear: return to sea and complete this Atlantic circumnavigation, even if the schedule looks tight. The technical team is already working to assess the extent of repairs needed.
This incident once again raises the question of safety during offshore race starts. Dense conditions and the excitement of the early hours can lead to contact, as this episode shows. However, skippers remain the primary judges of the situation, and each gives their own interpretation of events.
Advertisement
Source: Ouest-France