A serious setback for the Chinese Dongfeng Race Team in the Volvo Ocean Race: early Monday morning at 3.15 a.m. UTC, the mast of the team leading the overall standings on equal points with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing broke. The crew remained uninjured and were not initially exposed to any immediate danger. The incident occurred around 240 nautical miles west of Cape Horn, not far from the position where Jörg Riechers and Seb Audigane experienced the worst storm of their careers a few weeks ago and had to withstand gusts of up to 70 knots.
Dongfeng's mast broke in the dark over the third spreader. Skipper Charles Caudrelier has already informed the race organisers that it is impossible for the team to continue the leg. The initial plan is to stop for repairs in the Argentinian harbour of Ushuaia, which has often been called at by damaged regatta yachts that have suffered material breakage at Cape Horn. The Dongfeng Race Team is confident that it will be able to reach Ushuaia under sail and under its own steam.
In an initial statement, disappointed skipper Charles Caudrelier said: "I'm crushed. As you could see from the position reports, we had just deliberately held back a little and didn't attack at all costs. The mast broke without warning in around 30 knots of wind. We are unable to sail safely on port bow without further jeopardising the mast. We will call at Ushuaia and decide there how to get to Itajai."
The rescue centre (MRCC) is informed about the situation and on standby, and can intervene quickly in an emergency. The race organisers are in constant contact with Caudrelier and his team. YACHT online will monitor the situation and report again later today.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
