Bestaven's Vendee Globe title defence ends in tears

The 52-year-old who won the race in 2021 said in a video he would have liked to have gone round Cape Horn in the best possible conditions "but the boat and the sea decided otherwise."

Bestaven did succeed in navigating Cape Horn but at less than 13 knots and was lying 11th and around 2000 nautical miles off the race leaders Yoann Richomme, in his boat Paprec Arkea, and Charlie Dalin (Macif Sante Prevoyance).

"I must stop for an overhaul in Ushuaia (Argentina)," said a tired-looking Bestaven in the video.

"The aft starboard of Maitre CoQ V is broken, the cock bottom is split, which along with my steering problems makes it impossible to go any further."

Nevertheless even with his crown having slipped from his head Bestaven is determined to resume the race and finish it in his own time once the repairs have been made.

"One has to be positive and look to what comes after, to see if Maitre CoQ V is seaworthy after the refitting to resume my journey," he said.

"Even if I am out of the race I would like to make it to Sables d'Olonne (the finishing destination) alone."

He has extra motivation to do so as prior to the defence of his title he had said this would be his final solo race.