Three Ocean Fifty multihulls capsized within hours of each other during the opening stages of the Transat Café L’OR race.
Lazare X Hellio overturned three miles north of La Hague shortly after 20:27 UTC on Saturday. Race organisers said skippers Erwan Le Draoulec and Tanguy Le Turquais were “safe and sound” after being airlifted to safety.
Winds in the area reached 25 knots with 3-metre waves, according to race management. The SNSM marked the trimaran’s position as plans for a tow were developed.
Later in the night, at 00:25 UTC, Koesio capsized north of Guernsey while in eighth place. Skippers Erwan Leroux and Audrey Ogereau were also airlifted to Cross Jobourg, where they were met by family.
The boat’s drift and salvage options are being monitored by the MRCC and Koesio’s technical team.
On Sunday morning at 04:05 UTC, Inter Invest capsized off the tip of Brittany, 4,475 miles from the finish. Skippers Matthieu Perraut and Jean-Baptiste Gellée were rescued around 06:00 and reported unharmed.
The trimaran has been secured, and towing operations are underway.
Race management said further updates will follow.
