Chris Nicholson, 45, skipper of Team Vestas Wind, said in a telephone interview that the decision to abandon the stricken boat was "the hardest of his life".
The Volvo Ocean 65 had run aground on a reef on the island of Ile du Sud at a speed of 19 knots ( we reported ), breaking both rudders and severely damaging the stern. "It's amazing that nobody was injured and that the boat didn't break apart immediately."
He intended to stay on board with the crew until daybreak. Although the disembarkation into the life raft was practised 15 to 20 times, he did not want to leave the ship in the dark under any circumstances.
However, after the waves continued to crash and the deck began to buckle, Nicholson fired the exit.
"We made a mistake," says Nicholson in the interview, "which led to what happened last night. But I'm proud of how the guys handled it, how they tried to do everything right today."
Nicholson now wants to sail to Mauritius and discuss with the manager of the shore crew, Australian Neil Cox, whether and how the yacht can be salvaged and even repaired.
Interview with Chris Nicholson, Skipper Team Vestas Wind
How Team Alvimedica tracked and coordinated the recovery
Race Director Knud Frostad describes the night from his point of view. First reactions from the crews
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
