Dongfeng breaks mast

Major set-back for Franco-Chinese VOR team, just short of Cape Horn

Chinese Volvo Ocean Race boat, Dongfeng Race Team broke its mast earlier today. Fortunately nobody has been injured and there is no immediate danger to the crew.

The incident occurred 240 nautical miles west of Cape Horn at 0315 UTC this morning, during the final hours of the night on board.

The crew reported that the mast broke above the third spreader. They are not planning to continue racing on this leg and are heading towards Ushuaia, Argentina, under their own sail.

Disappointed skipper Charles Caudrelier said: “I’m gutted. As you’ve seen from the position reports we have been on purpose backed off a bit, not attacking in any way. The mast broke without warning, in about 30 knots of wind. We are unable to sail safely on starboard tack, but we are able to make reasonable speed on port tack. We will head towards Ushuaia and assess our options for getting to Itajai."

The local MRCC in Chile is aware of the situation and is on standby to help if necessary.