Updated 10 November, 2021 – 2230 UTC: 11th Hour Racing Team Alaka’i has arrived safely in La Coruña following its dismasting at 1402 UTC earlier today while sailing downwind in 20-25 knots of wind, and lying in 7th place in the Transat Jacques Vabres. Both co-skippers, Justine Mettraux and Simon Fisher, were uninjured in the incident. The technical shore crew for the team are on their way to the Spanish port to support the return of Alaka’i back to Port-La-Forêt, the team’s base in France.
“This is obviously a huge disappointment for the sailors, and the wider team, however what is most important is that Simon and Justine are safely ashore,” said Team CEO Mark Towill. “Tomorrow we will undertake a full assessment of the damage and finalize a plan to get the boat safely back to France,” he concluded.
