He almost didn't make it to the start of the New York Vendée - Les Sables d'Olonne. During the delivery trip between the Moonbeam marina in New York and the start line, Louis Burton suffered damage on Tuesday evening after colliding with a UFO, an unidentified floating object. The impact was substantial - ‘there is quite a lot of damage to the front of the boat’ - and also resulted in the breakage of her furler. This part, nicknamed the ‘galette’, connects the headsail to the bowsprit and is therefore essential for the boat's smooth running.
‘Bravo Yoann for your sportsmanship!
After alerting his shore team, the sailor from La Malouin contacted his fellow skippers: ‘A few minutes later, Yoann Richomme offered to lend me a spare furler. The skipper of Paprec Arkéa waited until this morning when conditions were calmer before handing over the part to Louis. He put it in a bag and the two boats got closer before he sent it to him. The Bureau Vallée sailor then set about carrying out the repairs.
A helping hand which enabled Louis Burton to be on the start line at 2pm this Wednesday (local time, 8pm in France). This means I can tackle this transatlantic race in good conditions,’ says Louis. I'd really like to thank Yoann. Well done for your sportsmanship. I really appreciate it, I owe you one!
