Class Ultime / Salvage operation in progress & Sidney arrives in Gibraltar (Video)

The salvage operation for Oman Air Majan is fully underway. The four strong technical team of Paul Standbridge, Loik Gallon, Phillip Rivett and Murray Goodsell set off from Horta on Thursday (05.11.10) evening.

The team continued to track Oman Air Majan, which was approximately 250 miles north east of the Azores. On Friday (06.11.10) evening the team had made a visual with the boat and they worked to assess the situation, conditions were on the team’s side with a flat sea and just 3 knots of wind. The team worked throughout Saturday to prepare Oman Air Majan to be towed and at 1100 CET today (07.11.10) the team reported that Oman Air Majan was undertow, they are expected to arrive into the Azores late on Monday (08.11.10).

La Route du Rhum /Oman Air Majan skipper Sidney Gavignet talks about his incident

After a long night for the Oman Air Majan team, they are pleased to report that skipper Sidney Gavignet is now safely onboard the bulk carrier Kavo Alexander. The incident which occurred at 1635 CET yesterday (03.11.10) was dealt with swiftly by the shore team, race management, rescue teams and crew of the Kavo Alexander who ensured Sidney’s rescue within four hours or his first call.

Credit : Mark Lloyd / Oman Sail

Kavo Alexander is en route to Turkey, and it is not confirmed if Sidney will be dropped off in Gibraltar or Malta with an approximate ETA between the 06.11.10 and 09.11.10 respectively. The Oman Air Majan technical team drove through the night from the base in Lorient to Paris and boarded a flight to the Azores early this morning (04.11.10), and are due to arrive in Horta early in the afternoon around 1400 CET. A boat is on standby and ready to leave with the team to take them to Oman Air Majan, which is still being tracked by the team and is approximately 250 miles north east of the Azores.

News / Oman Air Majan Skipper Sidney Gavignet rescued North East of the Azores

As outlined in the last statement at 18: 30 CET (GMT+1), OMAN AIR MAJAN received substantial damage to the leeward front beam, and it is confirmed that OMAN AIR MAJAN has lost her mast. The port float is under the main beam; due to the serious nature of damage, and the uncertainty, the skipper Sidney Gavignet has made the difficult decision to abandon the boat.

 

Credit : Mark Lloyd / Oman Sail

La Route du Rhum / Sidney Gavignet activates distress beacon

At 1648hrs (GMT+1) the skipper of Oman Air Majan, Sidney Gavignet called to say that his boat has suffered a major damage to the leeward front beam. Oman Air Majan was sailing in headwinds of 20 knots, but the conditions were not extreme. Sidney Gavignet has activated his distress beacon. He has put on his survival suit and is uninjured. He is in the central pod and is clear of the water. Course Director Jean Maurel is in contact with the Portuguese MRCC to coordinate the rescue and is in permanent contact with Sidney and his shore team.

Video / Morning update - Sidney Gavignet is heading to the azores

The Ultimate Class are sailing at speed and the front runners should arrive at the Azores on Thursday. Oman Air Majan remains the most northerly boat within the fleet, but Sidney is sailing at full power and maintained an average speed of just over 16 knots last night.

Credit : Oman Sail

La Route du Rhum / The countdown has begun for Oman Air Majan and Sidney Gavignet (Video)

One of the most historic races in the offshore sailing calendar is due to start this Sunday, 85 boats will cross the start line off the small French port of St. Malo for the 3, 500 mile transatlantic race that will see the fleet finish on the French island of Guadeloupe.

Oman Air Majan skipper Sidney Gavignet is in the final phases of preparing for this challenge. The port of St. Malo operates a lock system into the harbour, and with so many boats due to start on Sunday, some of the fleet are set to leave the dock today (30.10.10) and will remain outside the harbour overnight ahead of the race start tomorrow. Oman Air Majan is due to leave the dock at approximately 1530 CET, so she must be 100% prepared, as no work can be done on her once she has left the dock.

La Route du Rhum / Oman Air Majan prime attraction for French crowds

Last Thursday morning was a warm and sunny one in Lorient, France as Oman Air Majan slipped her lines and set sail for the walled port-city of St Malo and the start of the Route du Rhum.

Credit : Mark Lloyd/Oman sail

Record /Oman Air Majan Smashes round Britain and Ireland single handed record

At 09:03:55 GMT yesterday (24/08/10) skipper Sidney Gavignet (FRA) onboard OMAN AIR MAJAN crossed the finish line off Lizard Point, Cornwall to smash the single-handed Round Britain and Ireland record. The A100 trimaran broke the existing record held by Thomas Coville by a massive 1 day 15 hours 30 minutes and 44 seconds.

© Lloyd Images/ Oman Sail