"It was a difficult but unavoidable decision for the experienced Vendée Globe finisher, and although he is very disappointed, it seems the only option is to prioritise safety over the challenge. He is therefore now returning to Les Sables-d'Olonne," reads the statement from his team.
The "Ant Arctic Lab" project does not seem to be under a good star. Sedlacek has also been forced to turn back on three previous launches.
Setting off and breaking off: Norbert Sedlacek's previous record attempts
In 2018, he set off from his base in Les Sables-d'Olonne in France for the first time. However, too much of the technology on the boat was apparently not yet fully developed for the circumnavigation. The skipper turned back.
On his second attempt in 2019, a strong storm near Ireland, problems with the headsail, defective equipment and finally even a loss of sail forced him to turn back.
Attempt number three was supposed to start in 2020. However, due to Covid restrictions and health problems, it only materialised last year. But there was another setback: south-east of Iceland, the problems with the power supply on board became so serious that the seemingly tireless solo sailor changed course back to his original harbour.
Will there be a fifth attempt?
"Norbert and his Innovation Yachts team will analyse the situation in more detail in order to decide how to proceed," says Innovation Yachts. It is not yet known whether Sedlacek intends to make another - then fifth - attempt.
