Joyon on terra firma

IDEC towed into Montauk, East Hampton

Francis Joyon is back on land. Instead of going to Newport, RI, the French solo sailing legend and his 97ft trimaran IDEC have arrived in the small port of Montauk in East Hampton having been towed in by a tug from Miller Marine Service in Port Jefferson.

48 hours after his sudden capsize on Monday morning, Joyon is safe and sound despite a scare was able to participate in the operation to salvage his maxi-trimaran. During the operation the mast broke in two, but the pieces were recovered and the rest of the rigging was disconnected from the trimaran's platform to enable it to be towed. The slow convoy sailed all night at a slow pace towards the northern tip of Long Island and late morning (local time) reached Montauk. Here a crane has been set up in order to right the boat.

"We chose this small port because it is well protected," explained Joyon from on board the tug. "We booked a crane capable of lifting the trimaran and righting it. That will end the rescue operation. I managed to keep the water after from the electronics and the platform, examined by a diver and I, seems to me intact."

Joyon wants to get his trimaran back to Brittany as soon as possible. Different solutions are already reviewed by his technical team and their partner IDEC. Tired after the two nights without sleep, Joyon said he was very disappointed with the unfortunate outcome of his latest record attempt.