Special Envoy at Pointe-à-Pitre
- Route du Rhum. direct, boat positions and ratings on 12th edition cartography
The final escape of the Route du rhum was marked by tragedy at sea on Wednesday as Charles Caudrelier, at the helm of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, approached the finish line. Two people working for race organizer OC Sport Pen Duick were killed on board the boat which capsized at around 5am. The two victims were between 35 and 38 years old. A judicial investigation has been started on the case of manslaughter.
While the celebrations at Pointe-à-Pitre, illuminated by the first rays of the sun, had just begun, the announcement of this tragedy cast a chill over the village of the event. “All our thoughts go out to the families of our two employees and to all of our deeply hurt teams.“, Hervé Favre, president of OC Sport Pen Duick, stated emphatically. Organizers were quick to announce that events planned to celebrate the arrival of the first Ultims had been cancelled. Boat trips out to sea to greet the sailors following Charles Caudrelieu are obviously forbidden.
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We are all very affected. It was supposed to be a party and it ended up being a drama
Charles Codelier
“We are all very affected. It was supposed to be a party and it ended up being a drama“, responded the winner, who went through all the emotions, from the intoxication of victory to the immense pain of learning the sad news. Many captains sent condolence messages through their teams to the families of the victims, assuring them of their support.
Thomas Coville, who is third in the event, did not have to wait for reporters’ questions to speak on the subject. With his Sodebo Ultim 3 barely moored on the pontoon, René explained his feelings, which were visibly marked by the events;In my head there were only rapid waves of wind, but also shocks from the fight between Charles and François (Gabart), and I am told about the drama that happened that night… I don’t know how to explain it, it’s too violent. . I never imagined that…he confided, his voice calm but serious, sitting on his flame.
The animations resume on Thursday, soon to pay tribute to the victims
During the meeting held on Thursday, the organization of the race took several decisions. The fun resumes this Thursday with the trophy ceremony podium scheduled for Saturday. A tribute will be paid to the memory of the two victims of the tragedy, but the form has not yet been decided. Follow-up boats (chartered by the Guadeloupe Region and not by the organization) are suspended until further notice overnight, but may depart during the day upon arrival.
Source: Le Figaro
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