Norbert Sedlacek has suffered another setback: The Austrian's team announced on social media this morning that the recently launched record attempt was not to last long. Last Sunday, he set off from Les Sables-d'Olonne to travel the world non-stop in his volcanic fibre one-off round the world. Today - just six days later - he is already on his way back.
According to the team, the reason for the early abandonment is damage to the swing keel of the sustainable Imoca. Sedlacek had previously sailed through a storm depression off the Irish coast, but further details are not yet known. "Considering the length and the planned route of this record attempt non-stop and without outside help through both Arctic and Antarctic waters, the decision taken seems unavoidable," the official statement continues.
Meanwhile, the plight of the "Ant Arctic Lab" project continues, with none of the five attempts lasting longer than eleven days. The plan was to complete the approximately 32,000 nautical miles in around six months.
Already on the way back - follow Norbert Sedlacek in the live tracker
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Ant Arctic Lab: How Norbert Sedlacek's record attempts have gone so far
In 2018, he set off for the first time from his base in Les Sables-d'Olonne in France. However, just a few days after the start, also west of Ireland, the adventurer decided to turn back due to technical problems.
On his second attempt in 2019, a strong storm near Ireland, problems with the headsail, defective equipment and finally even a sail loss forced him to abandon the race again.
Sedlacek did not give up and wanted to start attempt number three in 2020. However, the coronavirus pandemic cancelled these plans, as did health problems. The third launch therefore only took place a year later. Southeast of Iceland, however, the problems with the power supply on board became so serious that the Austrian had to turn back again.
In 2022, the volcanic fibre Imoca collided with an object in the water in 40 knots of wind and rough seas on its fourth attempt. The rudder suspension broke, again sealing the end of the record-breaking voyage just a few days after the start.
