IMOCA, Class 40, Multi 50, Ultime - Route du Rhum - St.Malo FRA - Day 1

The start of the Route du Rhum took place yesterday at 2 pm in a 15kn westerly wind. There were numerous early starts, including Yoann Richomme FRA, a favorite in Class 40. Sam Goodchild GBR, favorite in the Ocean 50 trimarans, retired shortly before the start with head and arm injuries after a winch lever blocked and 'snapped back' - the report. Oliver Heer SUI also had to turn back after a collision with Kojiro Shiraishi JPN, both plan to resume racing after repairs. ----- The Ultime Trimarans have already passed the western tip of Brittany, with Charles Caudrelier FRA ('Edmond de Rothschild') leading with 33 miles ahead of Thomas Coville FRA ('Sodebo'). The last winner Francis Joyon FRA ('IDEC') is already 143 miles behind in 6th place, but he is the only one who has started an attack close to the French coast in the Bay of Biscay. One can be curious! ----- The Open 60s have also rounded Brittany. Louis Duc FRA ('Lantana Environment') was the only one to round the restricted zone in the north and thus sailed to the (theoretical) top! Most of the favorites are on a southerly course along the coast (as Joyon in the Ultimes), with Charlie Dalin FRA ('Apivia') ranked 32. Justine Mettraux SUI ('TeamWork'), ranked 31st, is in this same group.----- Class 40 is sailing along the north coast of Brittany this morning. The closely packed fleet is led by Corentin Douget FRA. 1.1 miles behind is Matthieu Perraut FRA, Ian Lipinski POL is third, 1.3 miles behind. Simon Koster SUI follows in 11th, 3.3 miles behind. The race tracker and the report from the start.