Does this mean aliens are real too?

After heading offshore for a spot of training on July 2, the crew of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild returned to its French port of registry in Lorient early July 5 following a collision with a UFO… unidentified floating object.

Initially enjoying a fast passage towards Fastnet lighthouse, the 32-metre foiling trimaran set a course to the south in the Bay of Biscay, but on July 4 incurred damage to the Maxi’s central hull as well as her appendages.

“We were making 30 knots, which is up there for a collision, but it is still our natural ‘cruising speed’ aboard the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild,” explained Charles Caudrelier, who shares skippering duties with Franck Cammas.

“We felt the initial impact on the daggerboard and then a fairly violent second hit around the rudder on the central hull. It all happened very quickly and it’s always complicated identifying the cause, but the impact sounded hard and it was a firm material.”

Upon return they found the impact had severed the rudder stock on the central hull, losing the appendage along with incurring damage to the boat and the stern section of the central hull where the rudder is located.

“This kind of mishap is never pleasant but unfortunately we’re all too aware that we run the risk of collision when we’re sailing,” said Caudrelier. “It’s something that’s always on your mind whenever you get out on the water.”

Maxi Edmond de Rothschild is a member of the Class Ultim 32/23 which organizes racing for trimarans that fit within class measurements of 32m long and 23m wide.