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Hull Failure, Broken Mast

Hull Failure, Broken Mast

Team GUYOT and Malizia hit critical damage

AHOY! Welcome to I’dRatherBeSailing, today we’re bringing you a brief update of some breaking sailing news. Unfortunately, this is breaking news in the very literal sense. Let’s get caught up:

Sandwich Hull Failure: GUYOT environnement suspends racing.
Broken Mast: Team Malizia faces critical repairs.
A New Offshore Record: James Cyigenza goes in the books.

Hull Failure

March 1st, 0730 (local time) / 0530 UTC: While racing in winds of 20-25 knots on Leg 3 of The Ocean Race, the crew on board GUYOT environnement Team Europe heard two consecutive noises. An inspection uncovered abnormal movements in the hull bottom of the living area; the design and technical team concluded it was a hull sandwich failure.

“Given the current position of the boat and the distance to the arrival in Itajai, unfortunately it is better for the crew and the integrity of the boat to turn back to Cape Town.” said Thomas Cardrin, the technical director from GUYOT environnement - Team Europe.

Thomas Cardrin, GUYOT environnement - Team Europe Technical Director

The technical team will wait for the boat to make a more detailed inspection, and choose an action plan for the repairs.

The crew of Benjamin Dutreux, Robert Stanjek, Sébastien Simon, Annie Lush and on board reporter Charles Drapeau are safe and the team anticipates being able to get the boat back to Cape Town - just over 600 nautical miles to the northwest - safely.

The Ocean Race Coordinators await further updates.

Critical Mast Damage

March 1st, afternoon: Team Malizia discovered a critical crack in the mast, apparently caused by the Halyard, just above the first reef. They are discussing plan of attack, and repair efforts will begin Thursday, March 2nd.

The repairs will require climbing the mast, grinding and laminating it, all while clipped to the top of the 28 meter mast in the Southern Ocean swell. The crew is keeping a positive attitude in the face of the setback, with the skipper saying:

The sun’s rays shine through the clouds as if they wanted to show us that maybe there is more to it than just winning the race.

Boris Herrmann, Skipper

A brief video update from Boris can be seen here, which was just posted to The Ocean Race official account.

These stories are just unfolding within the last 15-24 hours, so details are sparse, but we’ll stay on top of it. Hopefully there is positive news all around, and best wishes to all the crews.

A New Nautical Record

James Cyigenza

289 nautical miles. 12 hours. Scream reaching 23 knots aboard a “three hulled rocket ship,” designed for speed over comfort, crossing the finish line in the dead of night.

It was under these conditions that James Cyigenza became the first African American to help set a World Sailing Speed Record. From escaping the Rwandan genocide to setting sailing speed records, the 40-year-old has come a long way since immigrating to the US. Read the full article here.

Sailing ‘Round the Web

Lake Erie Solo Challenge: Amy Stout becomes the second woman in the events history to finish the challenge. Read the full local report here.

Flying Backwards & Sailing Solo: Harry Anderson’s sailing adventure to Seven Continents.

That’s a wrap for today, stay safe and salty out there!