Event Management from Garmin Round Denmark Race has just been in Gilleleje to talk to Esben Pilegaard, skipper of the X-79 Relax. The status on Monday evening is that Esben Pilegaard has withdrawn from the Garmin Round Denmark Race.
The boat ended up on the inside of the breakwater in Gilleleje Havn on Monday night after its keel hit a sand bank in the eastern part of the mooring basin.
Until the unfortunate grounding, the approach to Gilleleje Harbor had gone well; with lowering of sails and preparation of mooring line in the outer harbour.
- It was the very last round in the outer bassin.. As the keel hits the sandy bottom, I cannot back off due to the high wind pressure. Instead, I am pushed further up on the sandbank on inside of the breakwater, says a calm Esben Pilegaard.
Esben Pilegaard then collected his personal belongings and went ashore along the breakwater. Esben Pilegaard is 100% unharmed and safe. He was welcomed by the locals from Gilleleje Sailing Club. Along with the locals he is planning a salvage of the boat later this week.
More information will follow later.