On Friday 18th November 2016, Bertrand de Broc decided to divert to the island of Fernando de Noronha to carry out an inventory of his boat. Indeed, after a collision off Portugal, a deafening noise became unbearable, as soon as the skipper exceeded 14 knots.
After two inspection dives and in consultation with his architect, and with Marc Guillemot his Team Manager, the skipper was forced to abandon his fourth Vendée Globe. A very large part of the fairing was damaged, which made sailing in race mode impossible.
Moreover, the noise caused by hull damage is still very deafening, even when fitted with a noise-cancelling helmet.
So it was with a heavy heart that Bertrand de Broc gave up his solo circumnavigation of the world. But tackling the Deep South in these conditions represents too high a risk. Lucidity therefore wins out over this choice, but the disappointment remains terrible.
" Facing this decision is a huge blow. It's bound to happen in a skipper's career, but that doesn't make the choice any easier to accept. I'm disappointed. But reasonably speaking, it's impossible for me to envisage taking on the Deep South in these conditions" explains the sailor.
Doctor Philippe Eveilleau, President of the MACSF Group, is associated with this difficult decision and wishes to assure the skipper of the boat and the health professionals of his full support. " Bertrand de Broc remains faithful to his legend and has tried everything to continue. Even if the tour is not over, the adventure remains extraordinary, and we would like to salute his perseverance and courage. On behalf of the whole MACSF, we thank you for having "embarked" us on board your story with the Vendée Globe.
