Violette Dorange and Romain Pilliard collided on Sunday off the island of Bréhat in the Côtes-d'Armor, shortly after the start of the Route du Rhum. The race had begun at 13:02 in Saint-Malo. The collision between Dorange's Initiatives-Coeur and Pilliard's Use It Again trimaran was captured by France 3 cameras.
Dorange, 25, was making her first appearance in the transatlantic race. She was fourth in the Imoca class at the 16:00 standings and had resumed her course at 18:00, sailing at 23 knots. Her team said she will nonetheless make a stopover in Roscoff, Finistère, after damaging her starboard foil.
Pilliard, competing in the Vintage Multi class aboard the reconditioned trimaran Use It Again, suffered serious damage to his port float. He must head to port, most likely Roscoff, to attempt repairs.
Dorange's team said in a statement to AFP that both skippers were fine but that both boats required repairs. The collision quickly turned the race into a difficult start for Pilliard.
Sources: Le Figaro.