COLLISION WITH UFO
(February 3, 2011; Day 13) – At 2:00 am (Paris time), while sailing at a
speed of 37 knots south of the 40th parallel, the 131-foot trimiran Banque
Populaire V hit an unidentified floating object during their Jules Verne
Trophy Record attempt. Under the shock, part of the crash box drift – part
fuse protecting the immersed part – was broken, requiring Pascal Bidegorry
and his crew to heave to for an hour to go account of the damage.
“Tonight, we immediately felt the shock but the Maxi Banque Populaire V did
not stop,” said Bidegorry. “However, we made the decision to halt the
progress of the boat and ride the sails. But in the dark night, it was not
easy to realize the damage.”
Further confirmation of the damage has not been available. The immediate
plan for the crew was to limit their speed to 25 knots and seek out a calm
region so that they can better review the situation in daylight. The team
is currently at the 45 degree south latitude, southwest of the African
continent.
