Volvo Ocean Race competitor Dongfeng Race Team broke its topmast 240 nautical miles west of Cape Horn on Monday (March 30). Nobody was injured and there is no immediate danger to the crew after the incident which happened at 0315 UTC in the final hours of the night.
The Dongfeng Race Team broke its top mast 240 nautical miles west of Cape Horn on Monday
The crew reported that the mast broke above the third spreader, the top section of the mast. They are not planning to continue racing on this leg and are heading towards Ushuaia, Argentina, under their own sail.
Reached via Inmarsat, a disappointed skipper Charles Caudrelier said: “I’m gutted. As you’ve seen from the position reports we have been, on purpose, backing off a bit, not attacking in any way.
“The mast broke without warning, in about 30 knots of wind. We are unable to sail safely on starboard tack, but we are able to make reasonable speed on port tack. We will head towards Ushuaia and assess our options for getting to ItajaÃ.”
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) is aware of the situation and is on standby to help if necessary.
Ventuno