Pegg dismasted in Transat

Gales take toll of Mini Transat boats as they head for Lanzarote

Late last night Britain's Paul Peggs, sailing Blue One, was dismasted as the Mini Fleet headed towards Cape Finistere in stiff 30 knot winds from the ENE - the boats would have been surfing at high speed side by side, a big first night for the solo sailors.

A particularly sad exit for Paul, as this was his second attempt following his rescue in 1999 when he was rolled over by a rogue wave.

This time he was very well prepared and in good shape for the race.

A second boat was dismasted, one of the leading POGO (the one design class within the Mini fleet) boats called 2001 Sourisses. Not so many smiles this morning unfortunately.

The Mini Transat, started from La Rochelle Saturday on the first leg of their 4300 miles race to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil.

The first leg is 1350 miles to Puerto Calero, Lanzarote.