Charlie Dalin on his boat Imoca Apivia, in Les Sables-d'Olonne on November 8, 2020. -

Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS / SIPA

Will that make him let go of the lead?

Charlie Dalin, in first place in the Vendée Globe for three weeks, indicated Monday evening that his latest generation boat had suffered damage to the port foil system.

🚨 FLASH INFO 🚨



Damaged port foil system for APIVIA.


Charlie is currently analyzing the situation with his team on the ground to assess the extent of the damage.https: //t.co/aWZX3sSM1M

- Apivia Voile - Charlie Dalin (@ApiviaVoile) December 14, 2020

According to his team, at around 7:00 p.m. (in France), Dalin (Apivia) “was slowed down after hearing a loud noise on board.

Charlie is currently analyzing the situation with his shore team to assess the extent of the damage possibly caused, particularly to the port foil system ”.

The foil is a large lateral appendage that allows the hull to rise above the water so that the sailboat spins at high speed.

These elements, two per boat, are characteristic of the latest generation Vendée Globe monohulls.

“While sailing at the head of the fleet, 65 miles ahead of Yannick Bestaven, Charlie Dalin called his technical team around 7 p.m. on Monday after hearing a noise that he does not identify, for the time being, to be linked to an OFNI (unidentified floating object), ”said the team.

"He did not notice any water leaks on board, but Charlie continued his inventory in order to anticipate repairs and is doing everything possible to control the situation".

First participation

The 36-year-old Norman sailor is taking part in the round-the-world race alone and non-stop for the first time.

It took the lead of the fleet on November 23 and is currently en route along the ice zone to enter the Pacific Ocean.

At the last check-in at 10pm, Dalin was only 42 miles ahead of Bestaven and 53.8 over Thomas Roût, third.

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