Pushing Ahead...

Assa Abloy extend their lead over all but Dalts

I guess it is time to talk about it. One of the most sickening and devastating feelings ever. To be in a race and not have the opportunity to compete, sitting in a harbour and putting the boat back together is not what we wanted to do. SEB left Eden at lunchtime today, local time, and approximately 24 hours after we arrived. As usual the shore team performed on top level and turned us around quicker than expected. Mike Beasley, Niel Cox and Jonas Nilsson on the spot in Eden. Scott McAllister and Joanne Mutter in Auckland and Sydney. Thanks for planning it so well and making it all happen.

What happened on the water? To be honest we are not sure. It is hard to believe that these extensive damages on the rudder system could occur without us hitting something. We still have a lot of investigation to do before we know more.

The rudder is now back in the boat and we are sailing to Auckland. There we will make the final repairs and will be 100 percent fit for leg 4. In its current stage it is good enough for a delivery but not at all safe for pushing the boat in a race situation.

We are slowly coming to grips with the situation and starting to look forward again. The only thing we are doing know is to concentrate on the next leg.