Following the capsize of Alain Gautier’s Foncia 60ft ORMA trimaran on Tuesday, while taking part in the Challenge Mondial Assistance from Cherbourg to Rimini and with Ellen MacArthur navigating, came the news that Belgacom had dismasted off Cadiz. No details are known.

Meanwhile Alain Gautier confirmed that Foncia had not pitchpoled but had capsized, apparently after damage to a rudder and went over to port. Some of the crew did not even get wet and no MAYDAY or PAN messages were sent, instead the skipper contacted his shore crew to arrange for a tow.

Franck Cammes in Groupama currently leads the fleet.