Winner of the Vendée Globe and favorite at the start of the transatlantic race, M. Le Cléac'h is among the leading skippers forced to retire since the start on Sunday, November 1.
The race, which started on Sunday, thus sees several favorites leave the course even though the forecast conditions appeared mild. For M. Le Cléac'h, the human outcome remains that of a sailor rescued and in good health.
The skipper spent thirteen hours trapped in his maxi-trimaran before being taken aboard by a cargo ship. The authorities and the organizers have not provided, in the available information, further details on the circumstances of the capsize.
The forecast weather promised a glassy sea and dead calm along the route. Despite this scenario, the list of retirements among the favorites has continued to grow.