The collision can only be recognised by a short swerve in the course, after which Laperche sailed on as before, but now "only" at just under 14 knots. According to the team, the centreboard box was damaged and a large amount of water got in. However, the situation is obviously manageable. The team did not say whether the foil was damaged or whether its operation was restricted. They are now working on the next steps. As the Ultims' floats are very difficult to access, especially in the Southern Ocean with winds currently around 30 knots and an approaching depression, it can be assumed that Laperche will call at Cape Town.
Before the race, all the teams drew up logistics plans for where and when repair stops were possible. Cape Town played a central role in this. However, if the foil is defective or the centreboard box is more severely damaged, the race is likely to be over, as repairs take a long time and it is not possible to get a replacement part on site quickly enough for the large foils. In addition, not all teams have a spare foil. As Laperche was travelling at 35 knots when the accident occurred, the chances of this happening are rather slim.
Arkea Ultim Challenge: Charles Caudrelier outpaces the competition
Meanwhile, the leader Charles Caudrelier is making huge strides. Tonight he sailed 835 miles in 24 hours, just 15 miles under the existing record of Fran ç ois Gabart from 2017 with "Macif". Third-placed Thomas Coville with "Sodebo Ultim 3" is now slowing down a little, but is now falling behind the front of the depression, on the eastern front of which Caudrelier is ideally holding his "Edmond de Rothschild". It could quickly widen the gap to its pursuers in the coming hours and days.
They are followed by Anthony Marchand's "Actual Ultim 3" and Armel Le Cléac'h's "Banque Populaire XI", about 150 miles behind. Both are sailing into a zone with lighter winds today and then even the headwind of a high that is blocking the direct route to the south. Marchand is already only travelling at a speed of 15 knots. It is already clear that they will have to make a significant diversions compared to the three leading boats, who were able to sail practically directly from Recife on the ideal route. The duo's deficit of around 1,900 nautical miles is therefore likely to increase significantly over the next few days.
At the back of the field, Éric Péron has now passed the equator with his non-foiler "Adagio". His gap has now grown to 2,800 miles. But as a rookie in the class with an old boat, the only thing that counts for him is arriving, as he had already made clear before the race.
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Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
