Team Sanya, in the Volvo Ocean Race

TEAM SANYA SUFFERS HULL DAMAGE : ALL SAFE AND WELL AND HEADED TO SHORE TO ACTIVATE A REPAIR PLAN

Sunday 6th November 2011

Team Sanya’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 suffers hull damage

Aksel Magdahl, Navigator on-board Team Sanya, reported at 08:34 UTC Sunday, 6th November that they had suffered hull damage on the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12, which began yesterday in Alicante.

Mike Sanderson, Skipper has confirmed to Volvo Ocean Race Control that “The situation is very much under control, everyone is obviously disappointed but in good spirits as all are safe on-board,” he said.
The boat was approximately 30 nautical miles SE of Motril, on the coast of Spain. The wind was blowing 43 plus knots and the waves were around 10.5 metres.
The watertight doors had already been closed as a precaution due to the prevailing conditions and the boat is making its way to Puerto de Motril. After entering flat water, Team Sanya has suspended racing.
Volvo Ocean Race control is in constant contact with the team while establishing the full extent of the damage so that the crew are given full support to enable them to deal with the situation.
Team Sanya’s shore team are working on a recovery plan to ensure the yacht can rejoin the Volvo Ocean Race as soon as practically possible.
Further information will be issued as it becomes available.