Yann Guichard Sentenced by French Court

Yann Guichard (FRA), the maxi-trimaran skipper of Spindrift 2, was sentenced June 12 by the Court in Lorient as a result of the accident June 16, 2015 between the 40-meter trimaran and a RIB.

The incident, which occurred while the Volvo Ocean Race fleet prepared to start their ninth leg in Lorient, France, resulted in a rudder on Spindrift 2 seriously injuring Virginie Le Namouric, one of the RIB passengers, causing the amputation of her leg.

A hearing on June 27 discussed the facts of the case, in which Guichard was prosecuted for unintentional injuries by clearly deliberate violation of an obligation of safety and prudence and endangering the lives of others.

After deliberation, the court sentenced Yann Guichard to six months suspended prison sentence and a 25 000 € fine.

This figure is in addition to 246,000 €, which is the amount forecast to be paid to the seven victims. The hearing on civil interests, intended to determine the compensation, is scheduled for December 5.

The Court found no liability attributed to the victim’s husband who was operating the RIB.

Source: Ouest France