The skipper of SVR Lazartigue crossed the finish line of the Route du rhum in second position, three and a half hours after the winner but in a heavy atmosphere after the announcement of the death of two people in a follower boat on Wednesday.
Special envoy to Pointe à Pitre
Three hours and thirty minutes after Charles Caudrelier on Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, François Gabart also crossed the finish line of the Route du Rhum. A time that allows the skipper of SVR Lazartigue to also beat Françis Joyon’s previous record dating from 2018 (7 days 14 h 21’45”).
But it was not the time to celebrate in Pointe-à-Pitre after the confirmation, by the organization of the race, of the death of two people following the capsizing of a follower boat. A judicial investigation has been opened for involuntary homicides, also indicated the prosecution.
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As a result of this tragedy, the management of the event announced that the festivities planned for the reception of the sailors would be cancelled. François Gabart’s arrival at the pontoon, scheduled for the next hour, will therefore take place in a reflective atmosphere. “The Little Prince of the Oceans” should not show any enthusiasm on his giant of the seas and his climb on the podium has also been removed.
