Geronimo reaches Sydney

Giant French trimaran heads for boatyard

Since retiring from the Oryx Quest, Geronimo has been en route to Sydney for repairs to the trimaran's forward crossbeam, which, despite the repairs made in Fremantle, is showing new signs of weakness and has prevented her from continuing into the south Pacific.

Not only has the sailing to Sydney been done with a very heavy heart, but it's also been laborious due to the lack of wind. Olivier de Kersauson decided to make for Sydney “because they have the skills and resources to repair Geronimo”.

A berth for the trimaran was secured with the help of McConaghy Boats and Noakes Rigging, who also organised the berthing manoeuvres and pilotage at the harbour mouth. As soon as they arrive on shore... Geronimo's skipper gives a characteristic reply: “Everything in good time. We're really suffering for the second time in just a few days. The first thing was to get the crew and the boat to safety, the next thing is to repair the crossbeam, and only then can we start making decisions about continuing our programme.

“It's only a twist of fate that is preventing us from battling on. But that's the way it is in sport and in life: any one of us can find ourselves confronted by an event that neither professionalism nor courage can overcome. What matters now is to prepare for our future challenges."