The scene of VM Matériaux’s capsize, showing the missing keel bulb. Image copyright Marine Chilienne/Vendée Globe.
by Véronique Teurlay and SailRaceWin
At 1421 (GMT) Vincent Riou on PRB arrived at the scene of VM Matériaux’s capsize. Riou reported that he found the yacht floating upside down, missing its keel bulb, but a small ‘flag’ was visible at one of the through-hull fittings on the bow of the upturned yacht. Riou shouted for Le Cam and heard a response from the French skipper inside the capsized boat.
The stern of VM Matériaux, where there is an emergency escape hatch, is underwater.
VM Matériaux is down at the stern, upside down. Image copyright Marine Chilienne/Vendée Globe.
While the Chilean navy was on the way to the scene, with a RIB and divers, Vincent Riou communicated that he had recovered Jean Le Cam on board PRB at 1910 GMT.
Jean, dressed in his survival suit, left the upside down VM Matériaux all by himself. At the fourth attempt to pick up Le Cam on passing, an outrigger on PRB caught in the remaining part of the keel of VM Matériaux and broke. In the mess, Jean Le Cam managed to climb aboard PRB, but the two men had to get clear of the upturned hull and tack quickly to ensure that PRB's mast did not fall down! (It was leaning at 30° initially.) They are currently sailing on starboard tack on a course of 110° with three reefs in the main and no headsail, while making a repair. Armel Le Cléac’h, who had also reached the place, is following in their wake on board Brit Air.
"It's an incredible story that has finished well", according to Alain Gautier, the safety consultant of the Vendée Globe.
Vendée Globe 2008-9
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