Barcelona World Race: Delta Dore Dismasts

Summary: At approximately 0100 GMT Delta Dore dismasted. Port Elisabeth South Africa is 850 miles to the NW. Their jury rig is shown to the right.

Details:

• Per Jeremy Beyou Delta Dore was under a reefed main and staysail sailing in 25 to 35 knots of wind when the mast fell backwards.
• For safety Delta Dore had to cut the mast away. They are considering jury rig options and are not requesting outside assistance currently.
• Paprec Vibrac 2 continues to lead with 2nd place Veolia Entertainment fastest at 17 knots.
• Since the weekend 3 of the 9 boats have suffered damage that has caused them to stop racing.
• PRB has reached Cape Town
  

References: Port Elizabeth South Africa

Weather: WSW then WNW 20 to 25 knots.

Quotes:

Jeremie Beyou "We have just been dismasted, we have wind from 300°, 25 knots increasing to 35 knots sometimes, and waves not too bad at about 4 metres. We were sailing with one reef in the mainsail and staysail (small headsail). The mast seems to have fallen backwards."

Mark Turner OC Events ""It's easy to become complacent about sailing around the world, but the last few days during which we have seen PRB lose the top 3 meters of their mast and Estrella Damm suffer severe damage to their rudder are a strong reminder just how hard it is to race at this kind of pace, on these 60-foot racing machines, racing around the planet non-stop. Nearly 10,000 miles in, and the damage toll is mounting."

J.P. Dick "In this weather condition we know we are sailing in an area where some growlers are a real possibility and we are heading towards a zone where we can see them. We are now definitely in a risky area."

Alex Thomson ". We celebrated in fine style with a wee nip of Johnny Walker and then it was back to work. Over the last 24 hours we have been taking it easy. The last few days have been exhausting, so Capey and I have taken the foot off the gas slightly in order to recover a little bit. It is important to remember that these races are a marathon and I know as well as any that you need to be in it to win it."