Jules Verne Trophy: Broken rudder - Team Sodebo also cancels record chase

Two sailing giants, one goal: The Ultim trimarans "Sodebo Ultim 3" and "SVR Lazartigue" had only just started on 29 and 30 November and wanted to compete for the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest non-stop team circumnavigation of the world. However, the double attempt was followed by the double cancellation of the two most recent record attempts.

Collision and breakage stop Jules Verne record attempts

François Gabart's "SVR Lazartigue" first had to give up after a collision with an "OANI" (Unidentified Object or Animal), turn back and set course for its home port of Concarneau. The starboard foils of the blue trimaran were severely damaged in the collision. Skipper Gabart, Vendée Globe winner 2012/2013, had announced: "The plan now is to swap the damaged foil for a replacement at home and then start the Jules Verne Trophy again in a favourable weather window."

• "SVR Lazartigue" collides, gives up and turns round

Thomas Coville's trimaran "Sodebo Ultim 3" has now also had to make its way home to Lorient for the time being. The crew was travelling towards the equator in a trade wind when the current record attempt had to be aborted for the time being. After the "SVR Larzartigue", damage to the centre rudder blade has now also stopped the second giant in the hunt for the Jules Verne trophy. And this just four days after her start on 29 November.

The Jules Verne Trophy will have to wait

The technical team of the "Sodebo Ultim" initially analysed the circumstances and consequences of the damage remotely. After an initial inspection, the crew found that the centre rudder blade had sheared off at the bottom of the hull. They also investigated whether the breakage of the shaft of the central rudder blade was due to a mechanical problem or a blow.

Thomas Coville, Frédéric Denis, Pierre Leboucher, Léonard Legrand, Guillaume Pirouelle, Benjamin Schwartz and Nicolas Troussel had no choice but to return to the Sodebo team's base in Lorient for repairs. No water ingress or further damage could be detected. The sailors were able to start the return journey under their own steam. As soon as the crew reaches Lorient's La Base, the technical team will take over the boat to assess the damage and consider solutions.

The eight-year-old record stands further

The team will then examine its options for a new record attempt with the 32-metre Ultim trimaran, as announced by the "SVR Lazartigue" team led by François Gabart. This means that the record for the fastest non-stop team circumnavigation of the world from Francis Joyon and his crew continue to stand. "Idec" won the Jules Verne Trophy at the beginning of January 2017 in just 40 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds won.

The first reference time for the Jules Verne Trophy was set by Bruno Peyron in 1993 with 79 days. Since then, the record has been broken several times. However, Francis Joyon's "Idec Sport" record has now been in the record books for eight years - the Frenchman and his crew enjoyed very favourable wind conditions during their round-the-world race.

First, the "SVR Lazartigue" crew had to give up - "Sodebo Ultim 3" sailed on:

Both crews started the challenge with so many hopes and ambitious goals: