Sodebo in collision

Damage to 105ft trimaran's starboard float, but no cause to stop for Thomas Coville

At 1540 GMT today Sodebo was involved in a collision, the 105ft trimaran believed to have collided with a pilot whale. Skipper Thomas Coville was down below at the time and when he assessed the damage, he discovered that the skin of the crash box at the bow of the starboard float had come away. This should not affect the boat's performance.

Sodebo’s shore crew has assessed the damage after studying the photo (above) which Coville sent out immediately after the incident to determine the structural integrity of the float. Though it’s impossible to gauge the impact on the trimaran’s performance for the rest of the course, Thomas Coville is continuing on his way as before.

Currently sailing on port tack at 18-20 knots, Sodebo will switch to a starboard tack in a couple of days’ time in an easing wind. On this same tack, which he is set to stay on till at least the north of Brazil, the windward float, the one that is damaged, will thus remain clear of the water.