Vendee Globe: damage to the Imoca Groupe Apicil, boat safe but Damien injured

In strong wind conditions and heavy seas, a little before 0630UTC on Friday, December 13, a chainplate was torn off and caused a leak on board, which is now under control.

Damien was sailing downwind on port tack under three reefs and a storm jib. The boat broached to windward in a strong gust and Damien heard a loud noise. A chainplate had torn off its anchor point, leaving a hole in the hull.

There were two repair attempts, the first failed because of a wave, and Damien was thrown against a stanchion. He suffered an impact to the neck and ear, with slight bleeding and pain in his knee. However, he continued and the second attempt at the repair was successful!

While the shore-based technical team is currently working on a procedure to improve the system put in place by Damien and a procedure to repair the hull from the inside, Damien is taking care of his injuries.

Conditions should improve on Sunday afternoon, when the wind should drop below 30 knots and the sea below 6 metres. The boat remains in good condition and the skipper continues on his way..