Armel Le Cléac'h told the capsizing of his trimaran Ultimate Popular Bank IX, Tuesday during the Route du Rhum. The winner of the Vendée Globz has joined this morning the port of Vigo in Spain where expected members of his team. "I do not know what happened, it was very fast, the float, or something that broke loose," says Armel Le Cléac'h, who will join his relatives in Britain.
Armel Le Cléac'h told, for the first time, his capsize with Maxi Banque Populaire IX during the Route du Rhum. The Cléac'h, one of the great favorites of this solo transatlantic race with its new-generation flying boat, sailed on 5 m of hollow with winds of 30-35 knots (55-65 km / h) off Azores. " I do not know what happened, it was very fast, the float, or something that came off, so it was so brutal and so fast that I was surprised, I did not expect that of course, " explained the winner of the Vendée Globe 2016-2017.
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After the shock of the capsize comes the call for help for Armel Le Cléac'h, who managed "as well as badly to get into the boat". The Jackal then activated his distress beacon. "Then I was able to open the survival bag that is on board so that I can immediately have the first tools to be able to get in safety and finally contact the land. I called my team to tell them that I was on board and that it was okay even if I had a sore rib, I was a little stunned but I was in the boat safe and sound and I now waiting for help to pick me up. It took a little time, " says Armel Le Cléac'h.
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The skipper of Banque Populaire was rescued by the "Sonho de Infancia", a Portuguese fishing vessel on Tuesday night. Armel Le Cléac'h then joined the Spanish port of Vigo, where members of his team were waiting for him.