[Mountain Bike Vomit Carnage]

The Volvo Ocean Race is a grueling and challenging race, and a sailor’s dream ( or nightmare). This is not only the year of the Volvo but America’s Cup.

I am an offshore racer, meaning I do ocean races, but I also sail inland.

I would love to have an ongoing conversation here with fellow sailors or sailing enthusiasts. I don’t know how to do a ping list, but I will learn and start one if anyone is interested.

[Mountain Bike Vomit Carnage]

Aksel Magdahl, navigator on board Team Sanya, reported at 0834 UTC on Sunday that they had suffered hull damage on the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12, which began yesterday in Alicante.

Skipper Mike Sanderson has confirmed to Volvo Ocean Race control:

“The situation is very much under control, everyone is obviously disappointed but in good spirits as all are safe on board.”

PAUL TODD/Volvo Ocean Race

The boat was approximately 30 nautical miles SE of Motril, on the coast of Spain.

The wind was blowing 43 plus knots and the waves were around 10.5 metres.

The watertight doors had already been closed as a precaution due to the prevailing conditions and the boat is making its way to Puerto de Motril. After entering flat water, Team Sanya have suspended racing.

Volvo Ocean Race control is in constant contact with the team while establishing the full extent of the damage so that the crew are given full support to enable them to deal with the situation.

Team Sanya’s shore team are working on a recovery plan to ensure the yacht can rejoin the Volvo Ocean Race as soon as practically possible.

[cll]

Sign me up. Right now I’m a retired Army Aviator and armchair sailor, but will take out to sea on my own when my numbers add up. In the meantime, I’m learning all I can.