Between 0630 GMT and 0640 GMT this morning, SEB lost her carbon mast after it broke just above the boom. The crew had to cut the rig free and abandon it, but they managed to keep the boom which was broken and a spinnaker boom, also broken. The crew is safe and the boat is not damaged; a primitive jury-rig has been erected and SEB is heading for the nearest port. It all happened in a 28-knot breeze whilst running at 17 knots of boat speed, approximately 1,250 miles from Cape Horn at approximately 58.12S 106.47W.

In a message from the boat, skipper Gurra Krantz wrote: We will await day light to check that nothing is caught on the prop and then start the engine.

Speaking from Sweden, Pelle Norberg, Managing Director for the syndicate company within Team SEB said:

“This is of course a very sad situation for us, but the most important thing in a situation like this, is that the crew and boat are safe. The crew now plan to continue sailing under jury-rig to the closest available port in South America to conduct repairs.”

SEB, racing on the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race is presently in the Southern Ocean, en route for Cape Horn on the southern tip of South America, is currently in sixth position overall in the race. The other yachts continue racing. Amer Sports Too is the only yacht west of SEB and could be diverted in case assistance is needed.