Sad news about the Transat Cap Martinique. Skipper Philippe Benoiton, 63, disappeared in the Cape Finisterre area, off the Spanish coast this Tuesday evening while sailing alone on his JPK 9.60. This Wednesday, the race organizers announced that the lifeless body of the skipper was recovered off the coast of Cape Finisterre. “Since 3:00 a.m. (HF), the race direction has been unable to establish contact with solo skipper Philippe Benoiton and has alerted the MRCC Finisterre to try to establish contact by VHF. The race director, François Seruzier, observed that the sailboat was taking a slow route in the middle of the night, marked by a U-turn at 5:49 a.m. French time,” the race organization announced this Wednesday.
Two skippers had been diverted but were unable to contact the professional veterinarian and father of the family. His boat was initially found, but no one was on board. Rescue operations, maritime and air, were launched by the Spanish coast guard before they found his lifeless body.