The Ocean Race 2022-23: GUYOT environnement – Team Europe forced to dismast after heading agonisingly close to Newport

GUYOT environnement – Team Europe have dismasted in Leg 4 of The Ocean Race 2022-23 with the finishing point of Newport, Rhode Island tantalisingly close.

Benjamin Dutreux’s crew were just over 600 miles east of Newport, but the race had taken its toll in recent days in challenging weather conditions that saw gale force winds rise above 30 knots.

Amory Ross, media man for 11th Hour Racing Team, said the fleet have had to deal with “boat-breaking conditions” as they approach the finish.

“Our arrival at the Gulf Stream was unfortunately met with 35 knots. It’s a miserable combination and one that took us and the boat to the red line in an instant.

“There is no question these are boat-breaking conditions. Made worse by the fact that the longer you linger, the worse they get. So we are under some pressure to get out of the path of this low that is only going to intensify.

“And the only way to get out of its path is to run…headfirst into a growing and confused sea state, typical of the northeast-flowing Gulf Stream. We’re slamming straight into breaking waves at 26 knots. You are never more alert than in times like these. It’s violent seated, violent standing, violent on your knees!

“To be honest, it’s a bit terrifying at the moment. Under three reefs and J3, there’s very little left we can do to de-power. We have to sit tight.”

This followed on from an incident which took place at 6am UK time on April 27 as the French boat sailed approximately 20 miles away from the Brazilian coast.

All crew members were reported by skipper Kevin Escoffier to be safe, but their frustrations were compounded as they led the standings at the time.

Speaking at the time, Escoffier said: “We were in the lead with this new crew that joined us at the start of Itajaí. We are looking for the best solution to get back in the race as soon as possible.

“The shore team has been working very hard since the dismasting to get us to Newport or the next leg as soon as possible.

“We worked all night to get as many things as possible back on board: the outriggers, the mast, the boom, the sails, the J2 are on board. I’m happy that we were able to do this last night, but of course I’m also deeply saddened by what happened. That’s life.”

The 11th Hour Racing Team now leads the way ahead of Team Malizia, leaving Escoffier’s side with plenty of water to make up.

Team Holcim-PRB were looking to pick up a spare mast, with it being reported that they may not need to return to the start point of Leg 4 in Itajai and could head to a different Brazilian report instead.

Leg 4 of The Ocean Race 2022-23 began on April 23 and concludes on May 21 in Newport.

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