Following initial reports that Alex Thomson’s Hugo Boss
had grounded on rocks during the final miles of the Route du
Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe while leading the IMOCA class, Race
Direction has contacted the British skipper to check his status. They have ascertained that while sailing on port tack at the north end of Grande Terre island, Hugo Boss ran aground on rocky cliffs around 21:45hrs (local time/0145hrs UTC Friday).
The accident occurred at the north end of Grande Terre, just south of the Grande Vigie lighthouse on La Pointe à Claude.
Upon hitting the cliff, Alex Thomson had to lower his sails and start
his engine to reverse his boat from the rocks. He was able to extract
himself from the reefs before re-hoisting his sails to resume his
passage. Thomson stopped his engine and then set a new seal on the
propeller shaft.
The skipper was not injured but there is damage to his boat. The
crash box in the bow is damaged and has taken in water but it is
contained, and the bowsprit is damaged. The water is contained by the
forward bulkhead.
The starboard foil is also reported to be damaged. According to
Thomson’s conversation with the Race Director, the keel and its
structure are certainly also affected. But it has not been possible to
establish a more precise diagnosis during the hours of darkness.
Currently, the boat is sailing at a speed of 7 knots and continues its passage around the island towards the finish line.
Approaching the small island at Tete à l’Anglais he has about 50 miles to go until the finish line.
The International Jury was immediately informed by Race Direction of
the accident and it will file a protest against Alex Thomson for using
his engine during the race.
A safety boat has been sent and will accompany Hugo Boss in case it is needed.
More information to follow.
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