Damage to starboard rudder
On Friday, February 1, 2019, at 16:06 UTC, Yann Guichard, skipper of Spindrift 2, notified his shore team of a problem with the starboard rudder, while sailing at 15 knots in the Indian Ocean, 1,200 miles from Cape Leeuwin. Despite the darkness, the crew was able to discover at 19:00 UCT that the damage was due to a broken wick on the starboard rudder. Unable to repair the damage at sea and unable to steer the boat under safe and efficient conditions, the crew decided to abandon the race.
" This technical problem unfortunately forces us to stop this Jules Verne Trophy record attempt. It is obviously a disappointment for the whole crew. We are heading towards the south-east coast of Australia which we should reach in 4 days "says Yann Guichard.
What's wrong with Spindrift 2?
In 2015/2016, the course was completed in its entirety, but the record eluded them.
On the sidelines of a race start (Volvo Ocean Race 2016), the trimaran collided with a RIB and seriously injured a yachtswoman.
2016/2017, a blank year for the crew who gave up the record attempt for this season.
In 2018, a new attempt at the Jules Verne Trophy, which passed into the hands of Francis Joyon (Idec Sport) in 2017. Two false starts, including a dismasting before crossing the start line.
A boat born for records
Spindrift 2 is the largest ocean racing trimaran designed to sail for miles and break records. 40 meters long, 23 meters wide, she was born in 2008 under the name of Maxi Banque Populaire V. In the hands of Pascal Bidegorry and then Loïc Peyron, she has set several records: North Atlantic crossing under sail, 24-hour distance record, Jules Verne Trophy.
It was bought in 2013 by the Spindrift Racing team founded by Yann Guichard and his partner Dona Bertarelli, who wanted to carry out a major record campaign on board! And from 2015, the goal will be to win the Jules Verne Trophy (which he holds under the colors of Banque Populaire). The trimaran has been renamed Spindrift 2.
" We wanted to build a team around us to carry out technical and sports projects that allow us to go for performance and excellence," dona Bertarelli explained in May 2015. " We are extremely proud of how far we've come and look forward to getting back to offshore sailing aboard Spindrift 2 soon in preparation for the Jules Verne Trophy record."
After the Route du Rhum in 2014, the boat is modified , adapted, transformed : objective of sailing with a crew ! Ultimate goal : Jules Verne Trophy. But for the last 5 years, the attempts are cancelled or are unsuccessful... Mast damage, bad weather conditions...
But what's going on? It has not shone for years, despite the golden color that adorns its floats ...
What does the future hold for Spindrift 2?
With its giant wingspan, it is banned from all the major races where the Ultimates are pointing their bows. It is therefore towards the records that her skipper has turned. But if these also escape him, what future is there for the big black and gold trimaran?
We are eagerly awaiting the technical feedback from this abandonment to find out the next steps in Spindrift's sporting program.
