Armel and the Les P’tits Doudous IMOCA team have been forced to withdraw from the Route du Rhum after sustaining critical rudder damage during the transatlantic race. Since discovering the issue overnight, Armel and his shore team worked tirelessly to find a solution, but ultimately the damage proved insurmountable.
The problem centred on one of the boat’s two rudders. While sailing downwind at speeds exceeding 20 knots, roughly 650 nautical miles northeast of the Azores in winds of 20 to 25 knots and relatively manageable seas, the IMOCA suddenly rounded up into the wind. Armel was able to stabilise the situation by raising the damaged rudder and reducing speed, but accessing the rudder for repair without risking losing it entirely proved impossible.
Compounding the challenge, deteriorating weather conditions near the Azores brought four-metre waves and a short, choppy sea state, making any stopover attempt extremely hazardous. With no viable path to continue racing safely, the team made the painful decision to retire.
Armel and the boat are now heading for La Trinité-sur-Mer. In his own words, “It is inevitably a huge disappointment not to be able to take the Doudous all the way to Guadeloupe. But setbacks are part and parcel of offshore racing.”
As recently as Sunday, on the docks of Saint-Malo, the team witnessed the remarkable strength of their collective effort. Healthcare professionals, volunteers, sponsors and partners stood united by a shared commitment to supporting children undergoing surgery. Although the race has come to a premature end, the Les P’tits Doudous project and its ongoing mission will continue stronger than ever, buoyed by the energy of an incredible community.
Meanwhile, the 22-strong IMOCA fleet in the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe is set for record-breaking speeds in the early stages, with a super-quick ride anticipated to the north of the Azores islands in the mid-Atlantic. Yoann Richomme, the 2024-25 Vendée Globe contender, has highlighted the potential for a blistering pace across the fleet.
