Stamn collides with fishing boat returns to dock

7:08 AM Mon 10 Nov 2008 GMT

'2008 VENDEE GLOBE. Bernard Stamm (SUI) ' Cheminees Pojoulat' , return in Les Sables d'Olonne (FRA) after a collision with a fishing boat' Th.Martinez &copy

At around 20:00 french time today, Bernard Stamm had a collision with a fishing boat while he was working inside the yacht. The bowsprit of Cheminees Poujoulat is broken and after assessment by the skipper cannot be repaired at sea.

72 miles after the start skipper turned around to head back to Les Sables d'Olonne.

Thierry Martinez took these images of Bernard Stamn and Cheminees Poujoulat return.

More images at ThMartinez/Sea&Co website: www.thmartinez.com

2008 VENDEE GLOBE. Cheminees Pojoulat' , return in Les Sables d'Olonne (FRA) after a collision with a fishing boat. Bowsprit broken - Th.Martinez &copy

2008 VENDEE GLOBE. Bernard Stamm (SUI) ' Cheminees Pojoulat' - Th.Martinez &copy

2008 VENDEE GLOBE. Bernard Stamm (SUI) - Th.Martinez &copy

2008 VENDEE GLOBE. Bernard Stamm (SUI) ' Cheminees Pojoulat' , return in Les Sables d'Olonne (FRA) after a collision with a fishing boat - Th.Martinez &copy