Clipper Race Stopped

As stated after this morning's dismasting, the Clipper Round the World Race was stopped, and all competitors ordered to Hawaii in preparation for the next leg. We've since received more details on the reasoning behind this decision from Sir Robin Knox-Johnston:

“The failure of another rigging fitting, this time on Durban 2010 and Beyond and again fortunately without any injuries, confirms the decision we took after westernaustralia2011.com lost her mast to replace all these fittings once the boats reach Hawaii. However, with a second failure we decided we could not risk allowing the yachts to continue racing and so stopped the race at 0600 GMT this morning (Thursday 13 March) and points will be awarded on the basis of their positions at that time from the finish line."

Two boats have been ordered to rendezvous with Durban 2010 and Beyond in order to supplement her fuel tanks, and the rest of the fleet is ordered to proceed under reduced sail to Honolulu for inspection and repairs. It is now thought by the committee that the fitting which failed in the rigging, though inspected in Durban, has failed due to fatigue. Thus prompting the action of insisting that all rigs be inspected.

A replacement mast has been sourced for Durban 2010 and Beyond, and is being prepared for shipment to Hawaii as soon as possible.

Photo: Durban2010 sailing in better times.