A new challenge on the horizon

Hello folks, being back ashore is never easy, particularly after abandoning a race that meant so much to me. I know that among our numerous supporters, many are disappointed. That's quite normal. However, as much for me as for you and my team, it is important to get things into perspective and to remain positive. Yes, we failed. Mechanical damage can and must always be avoided and, no doubt, there is progress to be made in this area for our team, however, this is an integral part of our very demanding discipline. We must learn to accept it.

We have been lucky. This broken pin is an essential part of the yacht and the consequences of this damage could have been much worse. The yacht is fit to sail. Indeed, she will be returning to her home base in Port Camargue under her own power. Because the Azores was not too far from the site where the damage occurred, we were able to bring the yacht into harbour, secure the keel and set off again.

There is a considerable new challenge on the horizon: the Barcelona World Race. The yacht will return to the boatyard next week for a full check-up of her structure, appendages, fittings and on-board systems. Many parts will be changed. This is an additional week or two in relation to the initial schedule and it will make things easier and less stressful.

Seb and I have 3 months of racing ahead of us. These will be 3 months during which the boat will have to be high-performing and reliable, and the crew efficient, vigilant and clear-sighted, to meet with success at the end.

So talk to you soon.

Kito de Pavant

All the news