Jean Luc Van den Heede has set off from Hobart on his journey back to France. Van Den Heede, who’s yacht Adrien was dismasted during his east to west global challenge attempt, spent the last month carrying out repairs to the mast before departing on Tuesday afternoon.

Jean Marie Patier has joined Van Den Heede as crew and the pair are expected to spend 90 days at sea before arriving at Les Sables d’Olonne.

The temporary galvanised mast which is built from three fire hydrant pipes is by no means perfect but according to Van Den Heede “If we are careful I think that we shall get there. The mast is well stayed although the tube is very thin (170mm).