Leopard of London, Mike Slade’s 90ft racing yacht has been abandoned 400 miles from the Spanish Coast.

The condition of the yacht which started taking on water on Tuesday morning following a damaged rudder stock, gradually became worse and, in increasingly severe conditions out in the Atlantic, it was decided to abandon ship yesterday.

The seven-man crew of the stricken yacht including Chris Sherlock the skipper were rescued by a ship, the Kurzme and were taken to La Coruna in Spain at 0200 this morning.

Leopard of London is currently lying 43 degrees, 09 mins north and 018 degrees, 09 mins west (approximately 400 miles from the Spanish coast). A salvage tug is currently on its way from the UK and should arrive at the yacht at 1800 this evening.