Durban 2010 and Beyond has become the second of the ten yachts competing in the Clipper 07-08
Round the World Yacht Race to be dismasted during the leg from Qingdao,
China, to Hawaii.
Durban 2010 and Beyond's dismasting is not thought to have been caused in the same manner as westernaustralia2011.com's rig failure last week. But with 85 percent of this stage of the race complete, as a precautionary measure, the race committee, headed by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, has told the rest of the fleet to stop racing and to
proceed to Honolulu.
The step was taken “in the interest of the safety of the crews taking part in the
Clipper Race, which is always the paramount consideration for race organiser
Clipper Ventures Plc,” said a statement.
At 0610 GMT yesterday morning, on the 19th day of the 4,400-nautical mile Pacific Ocean leg, the team representing Durban, South Africa, contacted the race office to
report that they had been dismasted at deck level, whilst sailing in
approximately 20 knots of wind.
There were no injuries onboard and the crew of 16, including the professional
skipper, was in the process of clearing the decks, cutting away the trailing
rigging to prevent damage to the 68-foot yacht's hull from the 81-foot (24.5
metre) mast, which weighs approximately one tonne.
Durbanite skipper, Ricky Chalmers said: “The conditions were bouncy, but we
weren't slamming. Just before the mast broke, the helm said he bore away
from a wave. I think there was a slam, but not major, then a double crack
and then lots of shouts of 'Ricky' from on deck.
“I got everyone down below, instructed them to wake everyone and get everyone
in lifejackets in the saloon/galley area. Then began the process of clearing the deck.
“We first secured the boom which was lying partly on deck, with the aft end about six feet over the
side,” he said.
The crew also managed to save the
mainsail and headsails. They had to cut some of the rigging to release a
portion of the mast and haul in the mainsail by hand but, said Ricky: “After
that it was pretty straight forward. Main on deck, headsails retrieved. Then
we took a break, had a chat, had supper.”
The yacht, which was 780 miles from the finish line in Honolulu, Hawaii,
remains seaworthy, guard wires re-secured and a full deck check carried out
to assess the extent of the damage.
Durban 2010 and Beyond currently does not need assistance and will motor
towards Honolulu as soon as the remainder of the rigging has been made safe.
Uniquely Singapore and Qingdao, two of the other yachts competing in the
Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race, have been diverted to rendezvous
with the South African boat in the next 36 hours to transfer fuel and offer
any support the team needs.
Race director Jonathan Bailey said: “Durban 2010 and Beyond contacted me
this morning soon after the incident. It was obvious the skipper and crew
were dealing with the situation in a professional and orderly fashion. They
are working through the night to clear the decks and make the boat safe
before proceeding to Hawaii.
“It is a testament to the skipper and crew and the Clipper Training they
have all received that they are dealing with a very difficult situation well
and calmly.
“As well as diverting Uniquely Singapore and Qingdao, I have
asked three other yachts, Liverpool 08, Nova Scotia and Jamaica, to revisit
their passage plans to Honolulu on the island of Oahu in order to converge
with Durban 2010 and Beyond in several days' time in case their assistance
is required.”
Glasgow: Scotland with style, New York and Hull & Humber are
proceeding to Honolulu, where they are due to arrive early next week.
westernaustralia2011.com is continuing under jury rig to Midway Island,
where she is expected to arrive today to refuel before
continuing to Honolulu.
Chairman of Clipper Ventures Plc and founder of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin
Knox-Johnston said: “After ensuring the safety of our crews our priority is to get the yachts
racing again as soon as possible and it is unlikely this will cause any
significant delay to the race. We have already sourced a new mast for Durban
2010 and Beyond and are awaiting confirmation of the delivery date in
Hawaii.”
The Clipper Race Committee decided to shorten the course, and provisional results for the leg have been taken from the boats' schedule positions at 0600 yesterday.
Hull and Humber was leading the leg and Durban 2010 and Beyond was in 6th place, 82 miles behind the leader. At the start of the leg, Durban 2010 and Beyond was in the overall lead with Hull and Humber in second place.
