French sailor Armel Le Cléac’h capsized in the Atlantic, 340 miles northeast of the Azores, while sailing the maxi-tri Banque Populaire IX in the Route du Rhum — Destination Guadeloupe single-handed race. The boat appears to have capsized after the structural failure of its port float. Le Cléac’h is reported to be safe.
This is the second capsize of the 32-meter maxi trimaran within the last year. Banque Populaire IX capsized off Morocco last April. Le Cléac’h, along with crew member, Pierre Emmanuel Hérissé, and a cameraman were rescued uninjured.
Banque Populaire IX is a foiling Ultime class trimaran 32-meters long (105ft), with a 23-meter beam (75ft), and a 38-meter mast (125ft).
It’s like a space ship. It’s fun to go fast but it’s just like driving a formula one car, pretty risky. I’m not so enthused about sailing on foils myself.