Beleaguered Global Challenge crew Vaio, who suffered so many interpersonal troubles on the last legs, have retired from leg 4 of the race following an emotional announcement this morning.

In a windless finish to the leg from Sydney to Cape Town, Vaio was carried by current on to the finish buoy. They have chosen to reveal this information and take the appropriate penalty. The crew made this declaration:

‘Today Vaio announces our retirement from Leg Four of the Global Challenge, Sydney to Cape Town. Vaio will sacrifice one point in accordance with the rules and therefore depart on Sunday 1st May in equal 9th position with Pindar in the overall leader board.

‘Coming into Table Bay we were becalmed and carried over the finish line by currents, which also pushed us onto the finish buoy. Unfortunately, the letter of law is that the whole boat must pass the finish line, and despite the calls from shore to welcome us to Cape Town on our bow crossing the finish line, and our own celebrations after six long weeks at sea, it really wasn’t over until 72ft later?.

‘We have retired following our realisation that this breach of the rules at the finish line should have been included in our leg finishing declarations.

‘Vaio upholds the high standards of racing and integrity that are at the core of the Global Challenge. We are therefore retiring, and will receive three points instead of four for having participated in but having not completed Leg Four.’

The announcement was made at a skippers’ briefing an Global Challenge organisers add: ‘It was a very emotional moment for all and there was universal disappointment on [skipper] Amedeo Sorrentino and his team’s behalf. Everybody felt for him because all were aware of the difficulties and frustration of light weather finishes in Cape Town after such a long leg.’

The Vaio team have had many struggles that make this outcome even more difficult. Read more here.