Thomas Ruyant, who is currently in 8th position on The Breath of the North for Project Imagine in the Vendée Globe collided with a UFO on Sunday 18th December 2016 at 16:45. The skipper immediately noticed a leak in the hold at the bow.
The impact also caused the starboard rudder to break on some of the stern stays and structural damage, particularly on the deck of the yacht.
"Thomas is currently assessing the damage and putting his monohull in a sailing situation where he won't suffer. He has already prepared his safety equipment in case the situation degenerates. He was sailing at the time of the collision in winds in excess of 40 knots and heavy seas. Thomas is looking for a solution to reach New Zealand" says Laurent Bourgués, Technical Director of Le Souffle du Nord.
In the event that the situation worsened, the race management contacted the New Zealand maritime salvage authorities. The latter could help Thomas Ruyant if he requested assistance.
