Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Vendee Globe - Safran heads back to Les Sables d'Olonne

by Soazig Guého on 11 Nov 2012
Safran skippered by Marc Guillemot Francois Van Malleghem http://www.pixsail.com/
The 2012 Vendee Globe is now underway with Safran having been in the lead early on but, at approximately 17:45 local French time, Marc Guillemot heard a loud bang, likely from a collision. At the time, he was sailing under a main and headsail.

He has decided to head back to Les Sables in order check on how serious the situation is.

The skipper on board Safran has reduced the sail area and is currently sailing at four knots and is some 50 miles from the Sables d’Olonne.

Further information will be provided once the boat has been checked upon arrival into the Sables Vendee Globe website
Armstrong 728x90 - Wing FG Board Range - BOTTOMNorth Sails Loft 57 PodcastABS2026_Sail World_1456x180-3 BOTTOM

Related Articles

The Famous Project CIC complete non-stop lap
Circumnavigation on board the IDEC Sport trimaran finished When the crew of The Famous Project CIC crossed the starting line of the Jules Verne Trophy near Ushant on 28 November, they were acutely aware of the monumental record set in 2017 by the IDEC Sport maxi trimaran: 40 days and 23 hours.
Posted today at 3:14 pm 2026 Bacardi Winter Series Event 1 concludes
Harry Melges IV claim Melges24 North Americans, Bruce Golison takes J70 opener Two new names are etched into the Bacardi winners circle: Harry Melges IV and Bruce Golison topped fleets totaling nearly 60 teams to earn their victories at Bacardi Winter Series Event No. 1 on Biscayne Bay.
Posted today at 1:29 pm Howth YC Dinghy Frostbites Spring Series Day 4
Easterlies, apart from sea breezes, are relatively unusual on the east coast Easterlies, apart from sea breezes, are relatively unusual on the east coast, and the wind for Sunday's (25th January) Howth Yacht Club Dinghy Frostbites gave evidence to the saying about what's seldom is wonderful.
Posted today at 1:08 pm Festival of Sails 2026 concludes
With the Victory Bash Presentation Party at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club Festival of Sails 2026 has drawn to a close following the Victory Bash Presentation Party at the Royal Geelong YC, where champions were celebrated, trophies awarded, and the sailing community came together to mark the end of an outstanding edition.
Posted today at 10:14 am The Famous Project CIC expected Monday
Arrival at the finish line between 1pm and 4pm The Famous Project CIC's voyage around the world is expected conclude tomorrow, Monday, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. local French time, when the Maxi Trimaran IDEC SPORT crosses the finish line in Ushant.
Posted on 25 Jan RORC Transatlantic Race: Fleet update
The shape of the IRC fleet results are now almost decided As the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race enters its final phase, the shape of the IRC fleet results are now almost decided with a diverse fleet of monohulls completing the crossing and others closing in on the finish in Antigua.
Posted on 25 Jan Melges 24 North American Championship day 2
Points tight, tension higher: the Championship heads to decisive Sunday Day Two of racing at the 2025 Melges 24 North American Championship, held in conjunction with Bacardi Winter Series Event No. 1, delivered exactly what the fleet anticipated from a championship "moving day".
Posted on 25 Jan President's Trophy Season Pointscore Race 16
Australian 18ft skiff champion Balmain continued their winning form The newly-crowned Australian 18ft skiff champion Balmain team of Henry Larkings, Tom Grimes and Lachlan Pryor continued the winning form from last weekend when they produced an awesome performance in a 10-14-knot North East breeze.
Posted on 25 Jan Breeze builds as Festival of Sails hits stride
Racing filling Corio Bay with action and colour Festival of Sails continued on Sunday 25 January with racing filling Corio Bay with action and colour. Several divisions completed their series' today, with tight results reflecting the staunch competition on the water.
Posted on 25 Jan Sodebo Ultim 3 smashes Jules Verne Trophy Record
New reference time of 40 days, 10 hours, and 45 minutes and 50 seconds By crossing the finish line between Ushant and Lizard Point after 40 days, 10 hours, and 45 minutes and 50 seconds at sea, Sodebo Ultim 3 became the fastest boat to sail around the world.
Posted on 25 Jan
This site and its contents are Copyright © 2026 Sail-World Sail-World Europe and/or the original author, photographer etc. All Rights Reserved. Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph contact the photographer directly.
If you have any questions about advertising or editorial then please contact our team. If you encounter any technical issues then please email techsupport@sail-world.com
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy