And back again

Joyon returns to port with halyard problems

Having set off on his Route of Discovery record this morning, Francis Joyon has put his maxi-trimaran IDEC through an about turn and is sailing back to Cadiz to repair a stripped genniker halyard.

"It will set off again tonight, in agreement with the WSSRC," said Joyon at 16:30 this afternoon. "It will take one hour to repair and then I will set out again at once. I have warned William, my shore crew who was on the road and is now returning as is Roger Waggott, the time keeper for the WSSRC."

At the time of the call Joyon was 75 miles from Cadiz making 13 knots.

"I'll be back in six hours or a little more. The repair shouldn't take long, but it is necessary to go up in the mast. Hopefully by midnight I will set out with the halyard fixed."