Sailing-France’s Dorange withdraws from Route du Rhum after collision damage

French sailor Violette Dorange has withdrawn from the Route du Rhum after inspection revealed serious structural damage to her boat following a collision with Romain Pilliard. The damage means she cannot complete repairs in time to resume the transatlantic race, ending her bid to finish before the course closes.

Dorange, 25, first stopped in Roscoff to assess the damage, then sailed to her home port of Lorient for further checks and repairs. Her team said the damage was more extensive than initially found; both sailors’ teams intend to lodge complaints, but the race jury has not yet ruled.