Maxime Sorel Withdraws from Vendée Globe Due to Injury

French sailor Maxime Sorel becomes the first to exit the 2024 Vendée Globe, citing an ankle injury and critical equipment damage.

Maxime Sorel, who previously finished 10th in the 2020 Vendée Globe, has withdrawn from this year's race five days in.
Sorel sustained a swollen ankle while attempting to repair his boat's mainsail, which he described as 'irreparable solo.'
Despite seeking shelter off Madeira and making a final attempt to fix the issue, Sorel decided to retire from the race.
The Vendée Globe, known as the 'Everest of the Seas,' is a challenging solo, non-stop sailing race covering 24,000 nautical miles.
Currently, Briton Sam Goodchild leads the race, followed by France's Sebastien Simon and Swiss Justine Mettraux.