The circumstances of the damage.
“I was about a hundred miles from the Fastnet, well positioned, slightly behind Sam Goodchild but locked in a battle with Violette Dorange and Élodie Bonafous. The wind was really picking up (22 to 24 knots), and it was getting quite rough. Just as I was riding a wave, I saw that the J3 had come loose. Looking more closely, I saw that the chainplate, the lower part of the J3, had been torn away, separated from the deck, which had been slightly cut away. It’s a key component without which the mast is more fragile and can break.”
The decision to retire.
“We tried to find a solution and perhaps if I’d been further into the race, I would have tried to finish in a severely compromised state. But in this case, it was complicated, especially as we need to preserve the rest of the boat. It was safer to head back to Lorient to take the time to understand what happened and repair the boat. ”
The return to Lorient.
“I’m not making much headway at the moment as I don’t have a downwind sail. I’m moving at 15 to 18 knots with the wind coming from the beam. I think I’ll arrive tomorrow morning. The pressure is easing off now; I’ve been able to eat and sleep well, which I haven’t done since setting off. We’d planned a dry dock anyway, so we’ll be able to start repairs straight away.”
State of mind.
“I know it’s all part of the game; we’re sailing on boats where breakdowns and retirements can happen. These are extreme machines that we push very hard; it can happen. It’s something I’ve fully accepted, so my morale isn’t too badly affected. I’d rather it happened now than at the end of the year or in the Vendée Globe! The greatest successes and victories are built over the long term and involve setbacks. We’ll get back to work and come back stronger!”
REACTIONS.
Alain Leboeuf, President of Vendée Arctique – Les Sables d’Olonne, the Vendée Globe and the Department of Vendée: “We are all naturally disappointed by this early withdrawal. Beyond the sporting aspect, we are reassured to know that the situation is under control and that Corentin is making his way safely back to his home port. He made his solo IMOCA debut from Les Sables-d’Olonne this Sunday and we are well aware of his qualities and talent. We are, of course, looking forward to welcoming him back to Les Sables-d’Olonne in 2028 to experience the next edition of the Vendée Globe with him.”
Sam Goodchild, skipper of MACIF Santé Prévoyance (current leader): “I feel sorry for Coco. It’s a shame to see him turn back. He was sailing really well and had made a brilliant start to the race. Losing a competitor like that is always a shame. But I’m sure he’ll come back stronger.”
