Separation after storm, stranding and rescue: "Use it again!" co-skipper Alex Pella leaves the ship

A week ago, the trimaran "Use it again!" ran aground in Cook Bay in a storm on 9 February. On their round-the-world voyage from east to west, skipper Romain Pilliard and co-skipper Alex Pella had sought shelter there from a severe storm, but were unable to anchor. According to the skipper, Alex Pella had fallen asleep below deck during his watch before the tri drifted onto the rocks. Pilliard later described the dramatic hours with the words "We were stuck in a mouse hole with rocks all around us". After the rescue by the Chilean navy and the 110 nautical mile journey to Puerto Williams, as well as the onward journey to the larger harbour of Ushuaia, the team has spent the past few days examining the damage to the boat. Conclusion: The "Use it again!" circumnavigation of the world from east to west is to continue. However, without co-skipper Alex Pella, who left on Sunday.

"I will not abandon the boat!"

The "Use it again!" team published this statement from skipper Romain Pilliard on the latest developments:"Hello everyone, today we would like to share two important pieces of information with you, who have been with us for several weeks. Firstly about the boat: the damage to the "Use it again!" caused by the crash on the rocks is more serious than expected. This applies in particular to the centre hull. After consulting with the designer and technical experts, we have to take the trimaran out of the water in Ushuaia and quickly get started with the repair project for the centre hull. The bow and centreboard are also damaged, but their structure does not appear to be affected. The shaft bracket is broken and could cause further damage to the centre hull. We have no choice but to get the boat out of the water. There's work waiting for us!

The second piece of information concerns my team-mate: Alex has decided not to continue the westwards world record attempt. He left for Spain on Sunday evening. I have taken note of this. I would have liked to give you better news, but I will not give up and I am determined to do everything in my power to continue this adventure. Let's start by saving the boat a second time! The first time was in 2016: this beautiful and legendary trimaran was abandoned on a quay in Brest and was in a pitiful state. Since then, thanks to Use it again! and our partners, we have given it a second life. It has completed the Route du Rhum and hundreds of nautical miles in the Mediterranean. A few days ago, he saw Cape Horn again. I will not give up. I won't let him down. I'll hear from you again soon so I can share the rest of the "Use it Again!" adventure at the end of the world. From the pontoon: Romain."

Alex Pella has not yet issued a statement on his decision. It also remains unclear how long the repair work will take and whether and when there will be a replacement for Alex Pella. Click here for the team page (please click!).