27th December 2006: At 03.08am this morning (local AUS time) ABN AMRO ONE, competing in the Rolex Sydney – Hobart race reported that they had been dismasted in approx 30 knots of wind. The boat which won the recent Volvo Ocean Race was leading the race at the time of the incident and was at 36 22S 151 22E. They reported that all crew members were safe and that there were no injuries. They are currently motoring back towards Sydney.

Mike Sanderson commented: “We are all very disappointed. We had a great first night on the water and we had managed to keep right up there with the other maxis so we were going well. The most important thing is of course that all the crew are safe and we have had no injuries – we are heading back towards Sydney and hope to be there as soon as possible.”