Les Sables-d'Olonne (France) (AFP)

The skipper Jérémie Beyou (Charal) resumed the start of the ninth edition of the Vendée Globe, late Tuesday afternoon off Sables d'Olonne, nine days after the departure of the fleet when he had to do U-turn to repair several damage.

Beyou, who returned to the Vendée port on Saturday, set off again in the race as authorized by the regulations within the ten days following the start.

"I can not wait to go to sea," said Beyou before crossing the line.

"To be able to get me back on the road. It's not funny to turn around, it's not funny to see that the others are in the trade winds and spinning at 20 knots and that I am just there".

The 44-year-old sailor, who finished third in the last edition (2016/2017), hopes to be able to feel good again on his latest generation boat, says + steering wheel +, before facing a big front on Wednesday.

Beyou has given up on his chances of winning the non-stop solo round the world race, in which he is participating for the fourth time.

But he could well go for the race record, which is 74 days and 3 hours (Armel Le Cléac'h in 2016/2017).

"There I am completely outside my register. For four years, I have been preparing to give everything and play at the forefront. We must forget and find a new way of doing things," he said.

"Since last night (Monday), the weather situation has deteriorated, I will not have gun times up to the equator. (Already) I would not have the record up to the equator", he said. he warned.

With Beyou returning to racing, the Vendée Globe fleet is 32 competitors, after Nicolas Troussel (Corum L'Epargne) retired on Monday following a dismasting.

© 2020 AFP