At 0515 GMT this morning the international crew skippered by Emma Richards on Pindar Alphagraphics contacted Race Management with the bitterly disappointing news that they are forced to retire from this second edition of the Calais Round Britain Race after ripping their solent. A message received from the crew at 0630 GMT explained the situation onboard.

“Following my satellite phonecall, I write to let you know that Pindar Alphagraphics is forced to retire from this race. In the night our small solent exploded. We were then using our bigger solent at the top of its range which should have been ok. However, the pad-eye on the deck for the solents has failed and there is no way now to secure the tack down. Therefore we have no upwind sails for the ranges between 8kts and 24kts – considering the race forecast which is entirely this – we would not make it around. Very disappointed,

Emma and the crew.”