Skipper Francis Joyon Capsizes in Route du Rhum, Rescue Operation Launched

Organizers of the offshore race announced that the 70-year-old skipper was uninjured and awaiting rescue while competing in the Vintage Multi category.

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A hard blow for 70-year-old Francis Joyon, following a strong start to this 2026 Route du Rhum. The experienced skipper, winner in the Ultim class in 2018, capsized on Monday, November 2, just over twenty-four hours after the start of the race. Regarded as one of the headliners in the Vintage Multi class, Francis Joyon "overturned aboard his ORMA Océans" in the waters of the Celtic Sea, race organizers announced. He indicated that he was "not injured." A rescue operation was deployed to come to his assistance "in coordination with CROSS Jobourg and British authorities."

The former round-the-world sailing record holder was still running in third place at the 4:40 p.m. position report, behind Damien Seguin (Arkea – Handicap International) and Eric Péron (French Touch – Oceania Hotels). The weather conditions, though favorable with winds around 40 kilometers per hour and two-meter waves, nevertheless appear to have caught out one of the fleet's most seasoned sailors. Francis Joyon had previously won the Route du Rhum in 2018 aboard IDEC Sport in one of the wildest finishes ever witnessed in offshore racing, claiming victory by a mere seven minutes over François Gabart.

Having finished fourth in the 2022 edition, he had previously experienced a similar misadventure during the 2002 Route du Rhum when he capsized off the Bay of Biscay, spending several hours inside his cabin before being rescued. This 2026 Route du Rhum has already witnessed multiple incidents: on Sunday, Violette Dorange and Romain Pilliard collided and were forced to turn back to carry out repairs. Earlier on Monday, Anthony Marchand, one of the contenders for overall victory in the Ultim class, saw his chances fade due to a rudder problem.

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"Francis Joyon is doing well inside his overturned boat," declares the director of the Route du Rhum

"Francis Joyon is doing well inside his overturned boat," declares the director of the Route du Rhum

video Route du Rhum 2026: after Violette Dorange's damage, skipper Francis Joyon capsizes off the coast of Ireland

Route du Rhum 2026: after Violette Dorange's damage, skipper Francis Joyon capsizes off the coast of Ireland

video Cruel disappointment for Quentin Le Nabour, already forced to retire in his 1st Route du Rhum

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video Route du Rhum: Violette Dorange in tears after collision with Romain Pilliard

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Skipper Romain Pilliard reports "heavy damage" in collision with a competitor's boat after the start of the Route du Rhum

Skipper Romain Pilliard reports "heavy damage" in collision with a competitor's boat after the start of the Route du Rhum

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