Vestas 11th Hour Racing has dismasted while racing in Leg 7 of the Volvo Ocean Race.The team is safe and reports there is no immediate danger to the crew. The team reported that the mast broke at 15:59 UTC and Race Control at Volvo Ocean Race HQ in Alicante, Spain was informed of the situation at 16:15 UTC on Friday afternoon. The crew was forced to cut away the broken mast to avoid damage to the hull. The boat is approximately 100 miles southeast of the Falkland Islands and as of 19:00 UTC was motoring under its own power towards the islands.
At the time of the dismasting, Vestas 11th Hour Racing was sailing in a 25 to 30 knot northerly wind with 3 meter waves. Other boats in the fleet are in the area and have been informed of the situation in order to render assistance if needed.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre has been advised of the situation, but the team anticipates no outside assistance will be needed to make landfall at the Falkland Islands.
