First storm of this round-the-world trip and the day dawns on a slightly groggy fleet.

Damaged rudder on Charal

Jérémie Beyou's team informed us this morning:

Last night, Jérémie Beyou had to make a temporary repair to his rudder control before facing heavy weather. At the same time, it struck an UFO and one of the rudders was damaged. He plans to consolidate a more permanent repair as soon as weather conditions allow. More info to follow during the day.

Kevin Escoffier dealing with damaged valve

“It is jacuzzi mode this morning on PRB.” Quipped Kevin Escoffier this morning on a video released at 0845hrs this morning. On screen it is clear there is water sloshing around on the bottom of his boat. I noticed this earlier. Obviously this is easy to manage when there are 5 knots of wind, but not when there is 40 knots. I went to do my usual check when I found this out. Here I am mopping up. " The problem is a valve through which water empties from the foil well which given way. Escoffier, one of the most accomplished technicians in the fleet, is reassuring. It should be fine. Technically, I have to hold out for an hour before tacking and I should be able to fix it on starboard tack.

He says: "It is option jacuzzi this morning, I realised when I was doing my morning check up front, it is easy to see what the problem et voila i am mopping up i dont know how it happened i am sure i did not kick it.. in five knots it would be easy to fix but not in 40, but in an hour i will tack and do it on starboard tack."