Vendée Globe Sunday Morning Update
by Mark Jardine 16 Nov 2024 23:35 PST
17 November 2024
One of the expected front runners, Louis Burton reported to race control that he had found deck cracks on his foiling IMOCA Bureau Vallée.
"This Saturday, November 16 at 2200hrs UTC when he was sailing in the leading group of the western option Louis Burton informed his shore team and the Vendée Globe race management that he had just heard a very worrying noise: a "big crack" on board the IMOCA Bureau Vallée", Vendée Globe Race Control said in a media statement.
"After taking all the necessary precautions and carrying out a series of checks, he realised there were cracks on the deck of the boat (at the level of the Gennaker spreader), which may risk affecting the structural integrity of the boat.
"Burton is continuing the investigations. The skipper of the IMOCA Bureau Vallée remains in the race."
The western group is making good progress in strong winds, and we discuss the VMG numbers and why they're important.
Find out more...