Force 8-10 winds are continuing to hamper the salvage operation of the 90ft racing yacht, Leopard of London.

Mike Slade’s Leopard of London broke her carbonfibre rudder stock last Tuesday morning (2 April) and started taking on water. The crew of seven including Chris Sherlock (skipper), Andrew Henderson, Brad Nann, Kerry Evans (chef), Rhyd Morgan, Ross Monson and Arthur Haliburton, were rescued by a passing ship, the Kurzme and taken to La Coruna in Spain.

The stricken yacht is currently lying at 4106N and 6058W and drifting at three knots. And according to Chris Sherlock this morning, it appears that she’s now lost her rudder completely.

Although the 100ft tug has been standing by since Friday, the continuing gale force winds have prevented the salvage operation to commence. Sherlock commented: “If we get a favourable weather window in the next few days, it’s looking likely that Leopard will be towed to Lisbon but this will take at least four days. If all goes well, she should arrive at Lisbon in a week’s time.”