World · Singapore Bureau
French sailor Dorange quits Route du Rhum after early collision
Violette Dorange has withdrawn from the prestigious Route du Rhum race following collision damage sustained during the opening phase of the 13th edition. The French competitor's Initiatives-Coeur team confirmed her retirement on Friday, just five days into the transatlantic sailing event.
LSN Singapore ·
PARIS — Violette Dorange has been forced to abandon the Route du Rhum after withdrawing from the 13th edition of the challenging transatlantic sailing race. Her Initiatives-Coeur team announced the decision on Friday, citing damage incurred from an early-race collision.
The incident occurred in the opening hours of the competition when Dorange's vessel collided with another boat helmed by competitor Romain Pilliard. The damage sustained proved too significant for Dorange to continue competing in the gruelling offshore sailing event.
The Route du Rhum remains one of the most prestigious solo transatlantic races, attracting elite sailors from around the world. The competition challenges competitors to navigate from Saint-Malo in Brittany to Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, testing both maritime skill and endurance.
Dorange's withdrawal marks a setback for the French sailing contingent in this year's edition, though other competitors continue their pursuit of victory in the demanding oceanic challenge.