It's the end of the Vendée Globe for Tanguy de Lamotte! The skipper, who had suffered damage to the masthead, had stopped in Mindelo in Cape Verde to take stock of the situation. However, it had proved impossible to repair the damage. "The masthead has torn off, the halyards have cut the mast on both sides, so the mast can open in two at any time", explained Tanguy who left Mindelo Bay in Cape Verde on November 16.
The skipper had therefore taken the decision to return to Les Sables-d'Olonne, in agreement with his shore crew, under reduced sail. He wanted to remain in the race to continue the solidarity operation and the collection of donations for Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque. He therefore continued sailing single-handed and without assistance as far as Les Sables.
He encountered difficult weather conditions along the way, particularly off Cape Finisterre, as is common at this time of year. Indeed, the sailor had to round to the north of a low hitting the South of France with gusts in excess of 50 knots: "That solo comeback wasn't Everest, but it was a good 7,000 yards with one ax!"
To forget the fact that he had not been able to complete his journey, Tanguy projected himself into the future. "I've thought of names for our next child, I've made plans for boats and houses, I've planned family vacations, I've thought of the next challenge in four years..."
He arrived on 28th November at 0157 hours on 28th November at the Nouch Sud buoy, the one marking the finish line of the Vendée Globe. With the arrival of his team on board, this officially marked his retirement from the race directors.
Dozens of boats were on the water to welcome the skipper of Initiatives-Coeur and thousands of people cheered him as he made his way up the channel. In any case, all is not lost for Tanguy, who had finished his first Vendée Globe in 10 e position four years ago. Even though he did not achieve his sporting ambitions, he was able to achieve his solidarity goal of caring for 30 children "The solidarity goal was to reach the milestone of 30 children saved, we exceeded our expectations with donations that will allow us to operate on 35 children."
Moreover, while waiting for the high tide to enter the channel in Les Sables-d'Olonne, the sailor drew hearts in the water!
