A shock for the young australian skipper Liz Wardley in her first participation to La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro. At 2.30PM today, right after the start of the 2nd leg, Liz has contacted the race comitee to announce that Kookaï-eol has dismasted close to The Needles in the Solent. An assistance boat went to see her very quickly to know if the skipper wasn’t injured and help her to get the mast onboard.
One of her sponsors, 3M, has directly contacted eol to tell Liz that she had to continue the race and support her in this difficult moment. All is done now to help Liz to be ready for the 3rd leg in Saint Gilles croix de Vie which starts next thursday.
After the first impressions from Liz, a pin at the base of the rig has broken, without being really sure yet. The mast isn’t broken, and sails are in a good state except 3 holes in the main sail. But a part of the electricity circuit is damaged. On land, solidarity of the preparators will be on to make Liz ready as soon as possible. Shore team is ready and is waiting for Liz to get a precise diagnostic.
From the sponsors side, 3M has contacted eol to get everything ready and will support Liz in this difficult moment.
Liz hopes to be ready tomorrow and leaves as soon as possible to Saint Gilles Croix de Vie on delivery to continue her race ! Despite deception, Liz who has done a wonderful 14th place in the 1st leg, just 11minutes after the winner, will fight more than ever.
