Éric Bellion Withdraws from Vendée Globe After Critical Equipment Failure
The French skipper was forced to abandon the solo, non-stop race due to irreparable damage to his boat's rigging, but plans to continue sailing outside the competition.
- Éric Bellion, competing in the Vendée Globe, was forced to abandon the race after a critical failure in the rigging of his boat's forward sail.
- The skipper attempted a temporary repair at sea, but it failed shortly before he reached the Falkland Islands, where he sought shelter in Port Stanley.
- Severe weather conditions, including winds up to 50 knots, made it impossible to fix the issue without external assistance, disqualifying Bellion from the solo, non-stop race.
- Bellion described his arrival in the Falklands as one of the most challenging maneuvers of his career, narrowly avoiding the boat running aground during high winds.
- Despite his disqualification, Bellion plans to repair the boat with his team’s help and continue his journey around the world outside the official race.
L'Humanité 
Ouest-France 
