This morning, Malizia-Seaexplorer skipper Boris Herrmann informed his team and the race management of serious damage to his port foil following a collision with an unidentified object or animal (OANI in French).

The incident happened at 02:31 UTC when Boris was sailing in the North Atlantic at 10°N and 37°W, around 900 nautical miles off the northeast coast of Brazil at a speed of 13.7 knots.

After an initial inspection, he reported significant damage to the port foil, with no obvious damage to the rest of the boat so he is able to continue racing.

Although loss of the foil reduces the boat’s performance, Boris is determined to finish the race. He cited the example of Sébastien Simon who continued after losing a foil early on in the event. “It’s been a difficult day but the boat is safe and I’m fine,” he confirmed.

What seemed impossible that morning became possible during the day. After sharing videos of the damage with his team, Boris took the decision to try and keep the foil on board – and he succeeded!

In a message sent in the afternoon, the skipper had some positive news: “We are back on a north-north west course, sailing as close to the wind as possible. I managed to retract the foil 80%. I used the grinder to cut away a bit of the damaged foil skin which helped me to stabilise it. A line is now secured at the front and back of the foil which is limiting the foil’s movement quite effectively,” he explained. However he continues to adjust the system. “The rear line came loose but the front one is holding up well. I plan to stop the boat again and bear away to secure this rear line somehow. It’s not that easy as the front of the foil is rounded and the line keeps slipping backwards”.  He thinks he will be able to finish without major difficulties. “We won’t be able to sail fast but a maximum 12 to 13 knot speed should be achievable”.

Boris sent his latest message at the end of the day: “My goal is to bring the boat back into the race without outside assistance. I worked on three versions of the rope system today. They kept coming loose so I went up on the foil to drill holes and fix the ends. It seems to be working now”.

Although his arrival is delayed, he hopes to finish around Sunday 26th January.