Route du Rhum: Armel Le Cléac'h Capsizes with Banque Populaire XI Off the Coast of the Azores

Banque Populaire XI has capsized; Armel Le Cléac'h is awaiting rescue © J. Lecaudey

The Maxi Banque Populaire XI capsized in the Atlantic on November 4, 2026. Armel Le Cléac'h, unharmed, is awaiting rescue aboard his trimaran. The skipper was in second place in the Route du Rhum at the time of the accident.

Maxime Leriche Published on November 4, 2026

A capsizing 550 miles from the Azores

Armel Le Cléac'h capsized around 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, while sailing aboard his Ultim Banque Populaire XI, approximately 1,020 kilometers northwest of the Azores.

The French skipper was in second place in the Route du Rhum, behind Tom Laperche, when his trimaran capsized. The causes of the accident are not yet known.

A rescue operation is underway

According to initial reports from his team, Armel Le Cléac'h is uninjured. He has taken shelter inside the capsized hull of his boat, activated his distress beacon, and is maintaining contact with his team on shore.

CROSS Jobourg and the Boston Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Boston) are coordinating a response with race officials.

The priority now is to safely recover the boat. At this point, no information has been released regarding the damage sustained by Banque Populaire XI or the circumstances of the capsizing.