Vendée Globe: Jérémie Beyou forced to return to Les Sables-d'Olonne

It's a terrible blow for the skipper!

Considered one of the main favorites for the final victory in the Vendée Globe, Jérémie Beyou announced this Wednesday morning that he was obliged to turn around after only three days at sea and return to Les Sables-d 'Olonne to carry out repairs on her sailboat.

After a complete check of the boat, the repairs are more important than expected, Jérémie and his team have therefore decided to set sail for Les Sables d'Olonne.

More information to come. # VendeeGlobe #VivonsFort

- Jérémie Beyou - Charal Sailing Team (@JeremieBeyou) November 11, 2020

The 44-year-old sailor struck an ofni (unidentified floating object) on Tuesday evening off the Spanish coast, which damaged the rudder in particular.

He was already in the process of making a temporary repair for a sheet return concern in difficult sea conditions when the impact occurred.

At first, this collision did not seem serious.

But over the hours, the damage appeared more significant.

“After a full check of the boat, the repairs are more important than expected,” said his team.

A reasonable decision, and made possible by the rules, despite the consequences for the race and the final victory.

The Desjoyaux precedent

Skippers have the right to come back to Les Sables-d'Olonne for repairs within the limit of 10 days after departure.

This is the only authorized technical stopover during which a technical team can board within 3 nautical miles (5.5 km) before the “Nouch Sud” buoy which marks the finish point of the Vendée Globe.

Beyou is not the first sailor to return to port since the start of the race on Sunday.

Fabrice Amedeo (Newsrest - Arts & amp; Fenêtres) returned to Les Sables-d'Olonne on Monday to repair a crack at the top of the mast with his team.

He left on Tuesday evening.

In 2008, Michel Desjoyeaux made a U-turn after an engine failure.

He left with almost two days of delay… which did not prevent him from winning, after an incredible comeback, his second Vendée Globe.

Thank you @MarineNationale for being by our side.

#LiveFort #VendeeGlobe https://t.co/jguC2AOgEp

- Jérémie Beyou - Charal Sailing Team (@JeremieBeyou) November 11, 2020

After having abandoned during the 2008-2009 and 2012-2013 editions, Jérémie Beyou took 3rd place four years ago.

He presents himself this season, with his sailboat Charal, with the label of great favorite.