Route du Rhum: navigator Armel Le Cléac'h capsized during the night but is "safe"

Three days after the start of the Route du Rhum, it was Armel Le Cléac'h's turn to endure the moods of the queen of transatlantic races. The Finistère sailor capsized Wednesday, November 4 in the early morning off the Azores, but is “safe,” announced the organization of the competition.

“A rescue operation, in consultation with the race management, is underway by Cross Jobourg and MRCC Boston”, in order to “quickly provide assistance” to the sailor, continued this source.

After the Maxi Banque Populaire XI capsized around 5:30 a.m., “Armel is safe inside the boat” and “is not injured,” the organization continued. “He was able to trigger the distress beacon and is in contact with the technical team on land.” The evening before, the skipper was on the heels of leader Tom Laperche (SVR Lazartigue) at the 5 p.m. check-in. Only "Le Jackal" had until then managed to keep up the hellish pace imposed by François Gabart's protégé, the youngest in the Ultim class.

Coville in the lead among Ultim

As of Wednesday morning, the race nevertheless has a new leader among the Ultims: Tom Laperche has since been overtaken by Thomas Coville. Skipper Sodebo took the lead by 0.9 nautical miles, while among the IMOCAs, it is Corentin Horeau (MACSF) who is still leading the way.