Raphaël Dinelli, the skipper ofFondation Océan Vital, has suffered a broken boom. The Frenchman currently leading the remaining three skippers in the Vendee Globe around the world yacht race was sailing in a thundery low with winds between 35 knots and 40 knots and a heavy, crossed swell when the boom broke yesterday afternoon.

When Dinelli went to take in a reef, the boat was swept along a wave and the boom struck a shroud.

Dinelli is currently heading north-east at about 10 knots under staysail. He is trying to head for a high-pressure area in order to find lighter winds and calmer seas to attempt to carry out repairs.

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