Sailor capsizes in race off Ireland

Francis Joyon, a 70-year-old sailor and 2018 Route du Rhum winner, capsized on Monday, November 2, during the 2026 Route du Rhum in the Vintage Multi category aboard his 18.28-meter multihull, ORMA Océans (Vintage Multi). He is reported to be unharmed, and a rescue operation was launched by race organizers and British authorities.

Race starts with multiple incidents

The first hours of the 2026 Route du Rhum have seen several incidents, including a collision between Violette Dorange and Romain Pilliard and a technical failure that stranded Anthony Marchand. The organizers confirmed Joyon’s capsizing but have not yet determined the cause of the accident. Weather conditions were described as acceptable, with winds between 20 and 25 knots and waves about two meters high.

Joyon leading in his category before incident

Joyon had taken a strong start and was leading the Vintage Multi category before the incident, placing third overall in his class at the time of the capsizing. He was sailing south of Ireland and had entered the Atlantic Ocean on a direct route toward the Azores and eventually Guadeloupe. He was able to communicate his health status, confirming he was not injured.

Rescue operation underway under good conditions

A rescue operation to assist Joyon has been launched in collaboration with the Regional Operational Center for Surveillance and Rescue (CROSS) in Jobourg and British authorities. Sea conditions are said to be favorable, allowing the operation to proceed efficiently within a limited timeframe.

Other categories show close competition

In the Ultim category, Tom Laperche leads aboard SVR-Lazartigue, ahead of Armel Le Cléac’h by 28 nautical miles. In the IMOCA category, Ambrogio Beccaria and Sam Goodchild are closely competing, with less than four nautical miles between Allagrande Mapei and Macif Santé Prévoyance. In the Ocean Fifty category, Basile Bourgnon holds a slight lead over Thibaut Vauchel-Camus. In the Class40 category, Guillaume Pirouelle maintains the lead over Matteo Sericano and Andrea Fornaro.