Shortly before 04:00 GMT, Tuesday, Charles Caudrelier alerted his shore team to damage on the port foil of the Ultim 105ft foiling trimaran Maxi Edmond de Rothschild.
This major incident occurred as the skipper of Gitana Team was sailing downwind, some 400 miles north of the Azores, in heavy 3 metre seas and 20/25 knots of N’ly wind.
At the time, Gitana was lying in 4th place in the Ultim category of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe fleet.
He has slowed and is now (16:00 hrs) fifth, 250 nm from the leader and off course while the damaged port-side foil is secured and investigating the extent of the damage.
Meantime, his routing unit is studying the various options possible.
At around 06:00 hrs while sailing in 25 knots of wind and very rough seas, Fabien Delahaye (LEGALLAIS) injured his ankle while going to lower his spinnaker on the foredeck of his Class40. Since then, he has been in contact with the race doctor and he has abandoned the race.
There was also sail damage aboard Sodebo Ultim 3, sail now fixed and rehoisted, and Thomas Colville is back in the race at third Ultim.
Meanwhile Anthony Marchand (Actual Ultim 4) is sheltering in Irish water after damaging his central rudder in a collision with an unidentified object. His team will assess repairs before deciding whether he can resume racing.