11 November 2023 - 13h31

Oliver Heer Ocean Racing forced to abandon after rigging problem

At 10:00 on Saturday 11th November Oliver Heer Ocean Racing are disappointed to announce their retirement from the Transat Jaques Vabre race due to rig failure.

At 04:00 UTC, in moderate conditions and a conservative sailplan, a structural fitting failed, resulting in the complete loss of the forestay and some damage to hull and deck.

Both Ollie and co-skipper are well and are now heading north to San Xenxo ETA 19:00.

Heer commented “Given the structural damage, there is no safe way of continuing this race. I am incredibly disappointed to pull out, this is my first retirement in the IMOCA Globe Series. I have to stay focussed on our main goal which is the Vendee Globe and we will come back stronger than ever for the 2024 season.”

Ollie will now be unable to compete in the Retour à la Base race from Martinique back to Europe.

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