NEWS : Setback aboard Sodebo
10.03.2011
Starboard crash box. The orange foam is sure to come away.
At 1540 GMT, Thomas Coville was involved in a collision with no direct impact on the boats ability to make headway. When he went up on deck to assess the situation, he discovered that the skin of the crash box at the front of the starboard float had come away, doubtless as a result of colliding with a pilot whale. A crash box is a sacrificial bow whose role is similar to that of a bumper on a car.
Sodebo’s shore crew has assessed the damage on shore after studying the photo which Thomas sent out immediately after the incident and the structural integrity of the float has been preserved. Though it’s impossible today to gauge the impact on the trimaran’s performance for the rest of the course, Thomas Coville is continuing on his way as before.
Currently sailing on port tack at a speed of 18/20 knots, Sodebo will switch to a starboard tack in a couple of days’ time in an easing wind. On this same tack, which he is set to stay on till at least the North of Brazil, the windward float, namely the one that is damaged, will thus remain clear of the water.
In 30 knots of NW’ly breeze, the trimaran is making headway close on the NE’ly wind off the Falkland Islands with two reefs in the mainsail and ORC jib. At 1400 GMT, his deficit in relation to Francis Joyon’s course had dropped to below 500 miles.
Bon courage - par Nathalie (traductrice Hydroptère) - Bon courage et je suis sûre qu'ensemble, vous allez trouver la bonne solution pour faire bonne route avec Franck et les autres collègues. De tout coeur avec toi et l'équipe dans cette mésaventure. Continuez à vous battre, vous le méritez ! bon vent - par arielle cassim - La voix du seigneur te souhaite bon vent ! Toi et ton équipe prenez du plaisir, mais restez prudents !
