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Volvo Ocean Race: Dongfeng Breaks its Mast

Dongfeng Race Team broke its mast early on Monday but fortunately nobody has been injured and there is no immediate danger to the crew.

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For continued updates, visit the Volvo Ocean Race page.

Dongfeng Race Team broke its mast
Dongfeng Race Team broke its mast early on Monday (GMT, March 30) but fortunately nobody has been injured and there is no immediate danger to the crew. Yann Riou / Dongfeng Race Team / Volvo Ocean Race
Dongfeng's broken mast
The incident happened 240 nautical miles west of Cape Horn at 0315 UTC on Monday, in the final hours of the night onboard Dongfeng. Yann Riou / Dongfeng Race Team / Volvo Ocean Race
broken sailboat mast
The crew reported that the mast broke above the third spreader, the top section of the mast. They are not planning to continue racing on this leg and are heading towards Ushuaia, Argentina, under their own sail. Yann Riou / Dongfeng Race Team / Volvo Ocean Race
volvo ocean race disaster
Reached via Inmarsat, a disappointed skipper Charles Caudrelier said: “I’m gutted. As you’ve seen from the position reports we have been, on purpose, backing off a bit, not attacking in any way.” Yann Riou / Dongfeng Race Team / Volvo Ocean Race
Sailboat Dongfeng
“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 Itajaí.” Yann Riou / Dongfeng Race Team / Volvo Ocean Race
Dismasted sailboat
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) is aware of the situation and is on standby to help if necessary. Yann Riou / Dongfeng Race Team / Volvo Ocean Race
broken mast
Volvo Ocean Race authorities are in contact with Caudrelier and are establishing the full extent of the damage to ensure we give him the support he needs to deal with the situation. Yann Riou / Dongfeng Race Team / Volvo Ocean Race
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