The start of the 2026 Route du Rhum is proving particularly turbulent. Violette Dorange's breakdown had already marked the first hours of racing. Francis Joyon, a 70-year-old skipper, is now heading for Ireland after being recovered at sea. He was among the leading boats in his category when his boat capsized around 2:30 p.m., for a reason still unknown.
The sailor is uninjured. He was recovered at sea around 11 p.m. Monday and is now heading for Ireland, where he should arrive very shortly.
Francis Le Goff, race director, indicated that two cargo ships were heading to the area. If the operation had failed, a competitor six hours away would have had to divert to assist him.
All means were deployed to come to his aid. Joyon had capsized a little earlier in the day, without being injured.
The rescue mission succeeded. For one of the most experienced skippers at the start of the event, the mishap ends without drama.
The capsize occurred southwest of Ireland, in the Celtic Sea.
The cause of the accident has not yet been established.
The skipper was not injured, according to the information provided.