French solo sailor capsizes in Cape Horn storm
by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.com/nz 14 Dec 2017 08:03 EST
15 December 2017
Ultim Actual, capsized off Cape Horn around 4 am French time Thursday morning December 14, 2017 © Team Actual
While attempting a west-east solo circumnavigation, French sailor Yves Le Blevec sailing the 100ft multihull Ultim Actual capsized off the Cape Horn around 4 am French time on Thursday, December 14.
Yves Le Blevec is reported to be well, is safe inside his boat, and a rescue operation is in progress.
A cruise vessel is diverting to rescue the solo sailor.
The incident occurred when Actual rounded Cape Horn in extreme weather conditions - 30 to 50 knots, gusting to 70kts in seas 5-6 metres from crest to trough.
At 4:21 am, on Thursday morning, Yves le Blevec triggered his first distress beacon. Forty minutes later, he operated his second beacon, confirming the seriousness of the situation. The CROSS immediately alerted the Chilean MRCC, the organization responsible for safety at sea for this area.
Yves is reported to be uninjured. He is safe inside his boat while waiting for help.
One of the trimaran's port linkages broke, causing the Ultim to capsize. The west-northwest wind was 30 to 40 knots at the time of the capsizing, there was 5m of swell.
At last report, the situation had stabilised. The boat is about thirty miles in the south-west of Cape Horn, it drifts a little to the south-east, a safe zone.
A passenger boat was rerouted this morning by the Chilean MRCC to find and rescue Yves le Blevec who was still safe inside his boat. It was expected to be in the area on Thursday afternoon.
Yves le Blevec started the circumnavigation in Quiberon Bay, on November 24 just before 5.00pm.