IMOCA, Class 40, Multi 50, Ultime - Route du Rhum - St.Malo FRA - Day 2

After moderate conditions, the fleet reached another front this morning. More retirements have been reported yesterday and tonight: Armel Le Cléac'h FRA had to turn around with his Ultime trimaran 'Banque Populaire' after breaking the centerboard - the report. Damien Séguin FRA collided with a freighter tonight and suffered mast breakage - the report. ----- The fleet of the Ultime has already passed Cape Finisterre at the north-western tip of Spain and is still led by Charles Caudrelier FRA and his 'Edmond de Rothschild'. However, he is threatened with a time penalty of 4 hours for starting early, against which his team has lodged a protest. The GPS data should provide information, and today the jury will decide. Behind Caudrelier, François Gabart FRA ('SVR-Lartigue') has moved up to rank 2 with a 26-mile gap. ----- In the large IMOCA Open 60 fleet, Louis Duc FRA was the only one to choose a westerly course and thus continues to hold the lead. However, this morning he is in the middle of the storm front. Charlie Dalin FRA ('Apivia') follows 9 miles behind in 2nd place. Surprising 3rd is Giurrec Soudée FRA: the adventurer completed his second Atlantic crossing in a rowing boat this summer and wants to be part of the Vendée Gloe in two years. It is his first race with the IMOCAs! Justine Mettraux SUI (TeamWork) moved up to 15th place and is the best-classified woman. Isabelle Joschke FRA and Samantha Davis GBR follow a few miles behind. ----- The Class 40 fleet remains tightly bunched with the top 20 sailing within 20 miles of each other. Alex Mehran FRA is leading, and Simon Koster SUI ('Banque du Léman') follows 9 miles behind in 11th place. ----- The race viewer and the reports.