11th July 2020 – After leading the fleet this morning in the Vendée-Arctique-Les Sables d’Olonne, Boris Herrmann’s mainsail headboard car on Seaexplorer – Yacht Club de Monaco broke at 07.25.Fortunately, Boris is fine and did not need assistance but it has slowed him down for the rest of the race.

The German skipper managed to reset the rig and is back in the game but with an underpowered mainsail (two reefs) and the foresail.

As this is a solo race, he tried to repair it from parts on board. “The chances of a podium finish are receding. The mainsail suddenly collapsed. I will try a makeshift repair and continue the race, but am no longer competitive,” explained Boris, who appreciated the call from Kevin Escoffier (PRB) on the VHF with advice on how to repair it, and praised the solidarity between sailors that prevails in this class.

 

The race committee was informed and is keeping an eye on the situation.