French offshore sailing legend Francis Joyon has capsized aboard his ORMA trimaran Océans during the 2026 Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe solo transatlantic race.
Initial reports indicate that the skipper is uninjured, although a rescue operation has been launched in coordination with the race committee, the French maritime rescue coordination centre CROSS Jobourg and British authorities.
Conditions in the area were reported to be manageable, with winds of 20 to 25 knots and waves of approximately two metres.
Strong Start Ends in Capsize
Joyon, who won the 2018 Route du Rhum in the Ultim class after a memorable duel with François Gabart, was making his return to the race in the Vintage Multi category.
The veteran French skipper had enjoyed an impressive start aboard Océans, leading his class throughout the first night and into Monday morning.
His capsize leaves Damien Seguin, sailing Arkéa – Handicap International, as the sole leader of the category.
The circumstances of the capsize remain unclear, and there has been no confirmed report of Joyon being recovered from the vessel.
Further information is awaited.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.
