Even ten hours after the mast breakage on "Holcim - According to the "PRB", there is still no detailed information on the reasons for the rig failure on board the Ocean Race leaders on leg four. However, the video published in the evening shows that the J2 - the upwind headsail - comes from above and the mast then falls backwards like a felled tree. The images leave open what exactly broke. Whether it was the cable or the lashing or the fitting on the mast remains unclear for the time being. The connection between the cable and the pole has definitely come loose at the top of the pole.
The Akku-Flex at hand, the axe required
The video clip begins with the mast camera looking to leeward. You can see the headsail coming down. The mast camera then records the moments when the mast hits the deckhouse. Below deck, the crew realise that the mast has broken. The boat has righted itself, the pressure is off the sails. Tools are frantically gathered below deck to cut the rig loose from the boat. A battery-powered flex is at hand. Annemieke Bes calls for an axe.
The team is feverishly trying to analyse the situation. On-board reporter Georgia Schofield sends a "Pan Pan" message via VHF: "We've lost our mast ..." Everything that could damage the boat is cut away. It looks as if the mainsail and about two thirds of the mast will be handed over to the sea. After that, there is an eerie silence on board.
Like Chris Dickson's "Tokyo" in the Whitbread Round the World Race ...
Kevin Escoffier reports on the situation for his team: "One second everything is perfect, the next it's a nightmare. We had a mechanical failure. The mast came down from above, as you can see. We are working on an emergency rig to reach a harbour. We worked very hard last night to salvage all possible parts. This is life. Now we are working hard to get back into the race as soon as possible."
The situation is reminiscent of the Ocean Race 1993/1994, when Chris Dickson's "Tokio", the leader and overall leader, also lost its mast on the comparable leg to the north. In the end, Team Tokio only achieved fifth place among the Whitbread 60s in the Whitbread Round the World Race, which was still scored by time at the time. Ross Field's "Yamaha" won the 60s classification ahead of the European "Intrum Justitia".
The replacement mast is ready for despatch - but where to?
It was not yet clear on Thursday evening how Team Holcim - PRB would be able to get the replacement mast, which Lorima had already packed for dispatch, to its destination. Kevin Escoffier is discussing this with his land team and logistics experts. The team intends to announce its decision as soon as possible. The top priority would be to reach the next Ocean Race port of Newport. "If we could reach Newport, where the next starting signal will be given on 21 May, we would still be in the lead. So we're working hard to make that happen."
To make this "small miracle" possible, the replacement mast would have to be flown to Brazil very quickly. Only then would Team Holcim - PRB be able to resume the race and finish the stage. This would allow Kevin Escoffier and his crew to secure a point and the overall lead before heading back across the Atlantic to Europe. If the desired solution proves to be too difficult logistically, a ship transport of the "Holcim - PRB" to Newport could be another solution. If this attempt also fails, a ship transport to the next but one Danish port of call, Aarhus, could be considered as an alternative.
It's an incredible shame! Kevin had such a strong race!" (Robert Stanjek)
There were many expressions of solidarity from the other teams on this black Ocean Race day. Boris Herrmann's team Malizia offered support and logistics assistance. "Guyot" co-skipper Robert Stanjek said: "This is shocking news. Fortunately nobody is injured, but it's an incredible shame. Kevin had such a strong race."
In the current fourth Ocean Race leg, Charlie Enright's Team 11th Hour Racing continued to lead on Thursday evening, eleven nautical miles ahead of Team Malizia. They were closely followed by Team Biotherm. Guyot Environnement - Team Europe was 25 nautical miles behind at the start of the fifth day at sea.
Click here for the mast break clip from Team Holcim - PRB:
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
