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Low-Flying Private Plane Rips Belgian Class40’s Spinnaker in Transat Café L’OR

Rules on equipment changes at the mandatory La Coruña stop could prevent a sail swap, putting the team’s continuation in doubt.

Overview

  • Caroline Dieu and Jérôme Délire say a private jet’s wake knocked down their Class40 in the Bay of Biscay and shredded the medium spinnaker.
  • The pair, sailing Innovad Group – XLG, posted an emotional video but reported they are uninjured and have resumed course with a temporary sail.
  • They need their medium spinnaker to continue competitively, with a spare kept in Dunkerque and a request to their shore team to bring it to Spain.
  • Race regulations reported by French media may bar taking on a new sail during the mandatory La Coruña stop ordered for Class40s because of an incoming depression.
  • By Thursday morning they were 39th and still distant from the port, and the aircraft had not been identified as the skipper described multiple low passes consistent with a business jet.