Setbacks for Two Teams in Jules Verne Trophy Race After Equipment Failures

Both François Gabart's SVR-Lazartigue and Thomas Coville's Sodebo Ultim 3 have halted their attempts at breaking the global sailing record due to serious damage to their vessels.

François Gabart's SVR-Lazartigue was forced to turn back after a collision with an unidentified object damaged its starboard foil, making it unsafe to continue the world record attempt.
Gabart's team plans to replace the damaged foil upon returning to Concarneau, France, and may resume their attempt if weather conditions allow.
Thomas Coville's Sodebo Ultim 3 also abandoned its attempt due to a central rudder failure, with investigations underway to determine whether it was caused by a mechanical issue or an impact.
Both teams had launched their attempts days earlier, aiming to break the 2017 record of 40 days, 23 hours, and 30 minutes set by Francis Joyon and Idec Sport.
The Jules Verne Trophy's standby period extends until mid-February 2025, leaving time for both teams to repair and potentially make new attempts.