Continuing leader of the Vendée Globe since November 23, Charlie Dalin suffered damage in southern Australia.
The port foil of her Apivia monohull was damaged.
“This Monday, around 7 p.m. French time, while Apivia was sailing at the head of the fleet, Charlie Dalin was slowed down after hearing a loud noise on board.
Charlie is currently analyzing the situation with his shore team to measure the extent of the damage possibly caused, particularly to the port foil system, ”explains his team.
No waterway
At the 22:00 score, Dalin had 42 miles ahead of his new runner-up Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ).
The latter was sailing nine knots faster than the Normand (22.1 against 13.5) and could take advantage of the night and the serious concerns of his competitor to get a little closer.
Charlie Dalin indicated that he did not know if the noise heard and the damage discovered were related to an impact with an ofni.
“After a first night inspection, he could already see that the port foil system was damaged.
He did not notice any water leaks on board, but Charlie continued his inventory in order to anticipate repairs and is doing everything possible to control the situation, ”his team continues.
Leader for three weeks
36-year-old Charlie Dalin is taking part in his first Vendée Globe this year.
Leader for three weeks, he had clearly widened the gap in the South Atlantic, to have more than 300 miles in advance on approach to the Cape of Good Hope crossed in front.
However, her mattress had lost a lot of feathers at the end of the week in an area of light winds.
His pursuers Thomas Rettant (LinkedOut) and Yannick Bestaven (Maître CoQ) took the opportunity to catch up.
Read also
Vendée Globe: follow boats around the world with live cartography