"The flagship event of the year, the mythical transatlantic could have suffered from a legal extension of the conflict between the two parties (for almost a year, editor's note). It is mainly for this reason, as well as for the good preparation of the sailors, which the class has decided not to appeal", is it indicated in a press release.

The shipowners and skippers who make up the Ultim class "deplored the decision made both on the sporting level, as well as in terms of fairness, and on the technical and safety aspects" and considered "that at a little over a hundred days from the start " of the Route du Rhum, "it is high time to leave all its place to sport", is it indicated in a press release.

The court decision "enjoined the Ultim 32/23 Class association to issue without delay any derogation to the Kresk Development company allowing the SVR-Lazartigue trimaran to participate in the Route du Rhum 2022".

No substantive decision

Gabart and the Kresk group, owner of its flying maxi-trimaran (SVR-Lazartigue) had assigned the Ultim class for interim measures to obtain authorization to start the Route du Rhum, a solo transatlantic race, on November 6 in Saint- Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine).

French skipper François Gabart poses in front of his flying maxi-trimarant SVR-Lazartigue, on July 22, 2021 in Concarneau, before its launch Fred TANNEAU AFP / Archives

The class, the only one authorized to issue authorizations to Ultim sailboats, refused this sesame due to a dispute over the compliance of the boat, which would derogate from an international safety rule (rule 3.11).

"The Ultim class intends to resume discussions as soon as possible with the MerConcept teams (Gabart's company, editor's note) regarding the compliance of their vessel. The judgment rendered on July 21 and the temporary derogation that the class must provide to the trimaran SVR -Lazartigue for the Route du Rhum only concerns this transatlantic race and does not solve the fundamental problem (...)", it is underlined in the press release.

Justice ruled on the form - a date set between the two parties to try to resolve their dispute - but did not rule on the compliance of the boat.

Rule 3.11 states that winches (work stations) must not be located below the deck of a boat (to avoid any danger).

Both parties disagree that this point so the definition of what a bridge is is subject to interpretation.

François Gabart's trimaran Lazartigue, on the Old Port of Marseille as part of a promotional tour in the Mediterranean, May 18, 2022 Nicolas TUCAT AFP / Archives

The Paris court ruled only for participation in the Route du Rhum.

© 2022 AFP