Hope held until the very end. But despite the team's immediate mobilization and the investigations carried out in Galway on Actual Ultim 4, the conditions are not right to safely continue the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. A difficult decision, made this Wednesday, November 4th, in consultation with Samuel Tual, president of the Actual Group.
A few seconds to avoid the worst
After a first day of racing that demonstrated the capabilities of both the sailor and the boat, Anthony was well into the competition, in third position, sailing at nearly 40 knots. On Monday morning, some 400 miles off the coast of Brittany, the central rudder of Actual Ultim 4 snagged on an unidentified object, causing the steering system to lock up abruptly. The trimaran slowed down and performed a 180-degree spin. Anthony found himself at the helm of a machine that had become uncontrollable, with a risk of capsizing. In these extreme circumstances, the skipper nevertheless remained perfectly calm. In constant contact with the shore-based technical team, he managed to stabilize the situation in less than an hour and regain control of his Ultim.
Try everything, without playing with safety
On Tuesday, around 4:30 pm, Actual Ultim 4 reached the Irish port, joined by part of the Team Actual technical team. Initial inspections were carried out before nightfall, and investigations continued to assess the extent of the damage. However, the diagnosis revealed that the necessary repairs were too extensive to consider a quick resumption of sailing under satisfactory conditions. Adding to this technical challenge was particularly unfavorable weather, making a restart within two days impossible. Solutions were explored until the very last minute. But on November 4th, Samuel Tual and Anthony Marchand jointly decided to abandon the race. At this level of competition, the ability to withdraw when the guarantees are no longer sufficient is also part of the job.
Already looking ahead
In Galway, the technicians are busy preparing for the return voyage. Two projects are being carried out simultaneously, with the same ambition: to make the most of this experience and prepare for what comes next. Because even if this Route du Rhum ends prematurely, it also leaves valuable lessons. And above all, a 2027-2028 program that has lost none of its ambition.
They said:
Anthony Marchand, Skipper of Actual Ultim 4: The decision is difficult, but necessary. We also have to look at what we managed to preserve. All the parts are there, nothing is destroyed, and everything is repairable. “Obviously, this isn’t the end I imagined for this Route du Rhum. The decision is difficult, but necessary. We also have to look at what we managed to preserve. All the parts are there, nothing is destroyed, and everything is repairable, even if it will take time. We saved the boat and the rudder, and that’s a real success considering what happened. Our project doesn’t end with one race. We have a great 2027 season ahead of us, and it’s not compromised.”
Samuel Tual, President of Actual Group : For 25 years, we have supported offshore racing because it embodies values we deeply believe in: commitment, solidarity, and resilience. “Our sport is magnificent, but it offers no quarter. On Monday, Anthony faced an extremely dangerous situation. He demonstrated remarkable composure and clear thinking that command respect. We did everything we could to get him back on the water, but there comes a time when you have to prioritize safety and look ahead. That's also what high-level competition is all about. I would like to warmly thank Team Actual for their dedication, as well as the 4,000 employees of the group who support this project. For 25 years, we have supported offshore racing because it embodies values we deeply believe in: commitment, solidarity, and resilience.” Today, we are obviously very disappointed, but also proud of the way Anthony and the whole team faced this challenge.