This morning at 5h40 GMT, Thierry Brault, head of Marc Guillemot’s shore team rang the Vendée Globe Race Directors to inform them of a keel problem aboard Safran.

While the damage for the moment remains unspecified it is known that on11th December, while Marc Guillemot was sailing at more than 20 knots towards the Kerguelen Islands, Safran had a collision with a sea mammal.

This impact may have contributed to the problem he is experiencing today.

The keel on Safran has worked loose in its slid down a few centimeters lower in the keel box. .

Since he realized the problem, Marc Guillemot has managed to partially secure his keel from dropping further using ropes, linking the keel head to the mast and winch. 

As such the boat therefore remains watertight and stable, but this fix is temporary and is seen as  precarious.

Marc Guillemot has not requested any help for the moment. He is in good health and continuing on his way.