Yannick Bestaven Withdraws from Vendée Globe After Major Damage to Boat

The 2021 champion ends his final solo race following severe steering and hull issues, but plans to complete the course outside the competition.

Yannick Bestaven abandoned the 10th Vendée Globe after 50 days at sea due to significant damage to his boat, Maître CoQ V.
The 52-year-old sailor experienced multiple technical failures, including a broken steering system, delaminated hull, and damaged sails, making the vessel unmanageable.
Bestaven, who was in 11th place and 2,000 nautical miles behind the leaders, reached Cape Horn before deciding to stop for repairs in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Despite leaving the race, Bestaven plans to fix his boat and complete the journey to Les Sables-d’Olonne solo, marking the end of his career in solo ocean racing.
This marks the fifth withdrawal in the current edition of the race, with Yoann Richomme and Charlie Dalin leading the fleet toward the finish in late January.