Route du Rhum 2018: BP IX has capsized, Armel Le Cleac’h is safe

Sad news to read from the great effort done by Banque Populaire Voile team and helm Armel le Cleac’h , as reported and sent by the BP Voile press: ” The Maxi Banque Populaire IX capsized around 12:00 (French time) while sailing 340 miles in the northeast of the Azores. The wind conditions were 30/35 knots with 5 meters waves

Armel Le Cléac’h was able to trigger his distress and communicate with his technical team ashore. The Gris Nez Cross took over the organization of the rescue, in coordination with the Race Direction and the Banque Populaire Team. The skipper is safe and secure inside the boat.”
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Gitana Team Edmond de Rothschild Maxi was leading but had to abandon as her entire starboard ama’s bow was destroyed. Skipper also safe & sound.

Source Gitana Team , orig post here

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