Young Swiss skipper Anaëlle Pattusch (NEMO) informed Race Management of her decision to retire shortly before 9am this morning. The sailor, who was sailing in 31st position off the coast of Brittany, is doing well but explained that she had not managed to recover after the physical toll taken by days spent at the helm on the first leg of the race; when her autopilot failed
Given the strong wind conditions forecast in the Channel, she has elected to abandon the race, and is no longer able to perform the headsail manoeuvres. Anaëlle is currently heading for Brest. Depending on how her pain and fatigue progress, she will then decide whether to continue on to Lorient, her home port.