Shocking gash in Sanya's hull -- Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12

[Key3812]

I was looking for gash and ended up here...

[michaelhenriquesrj]

HOLY SHEET

[japconvert]

Another 5 feet & that watertight bulkhead would have been a waste of time. I think it's about time they put some serious thought into these boats so the crew can survive these sort of accidents. Maybe they should have a quick release keel so the hull will at least stay floating even if it is upside down.

[5722811]

@japconvert What would you think of a sailboat without a keel... it become's a toy of the atlantic. and since the hull is as smooth as possible due to less resistance you wouldn't be able to hold on to it...

when it's upside down, the entrance to the cabin is also a big hole. ps. the only problem in that door was 2 little holes... that won't sink a boat... Don't think's it's a good idea

[a6km]

well if you got limited funds this happens make the boat as cheap as possible good luck in souther ocean

[Robinlarsson83]

That boat have also survived a hard grounding on Swedish granite, outside Marstrand in the las VOR, so seems to be a strong boat!

I hope and trust that Mike and the guys will be back fighting hard for Leg 2!

russoz2007, I agree with you, clearly worse to break the hull than loose the rig. And as you say, losing riggs happen when you sail enough ;) I´ve lost two masts in my 20 years of sailing, but of course on much smaller keelboats, it sure aint fun, but better than holing the hull I´d say!

[orrin2002]

@russoz2007 This is scarier for sure, when the mast comes down you can still trust the hull that is under your feet. losing a mast is shocking (i can imagine how shocking when its 38m tall) but you can step the boom and limp in to land. Sail long enough and everyone (slight exaggeration) loses a spar.

[rvdsuc]

team sanya the boat that made in China... not GOOd at all

[sailingkiel]

@rvdsuc The boat is an old telefonica, the one that made it to China in one piece last time around.

[mattia079395]

Don't give up guys!! keep working that hard

[SolveigDeux]

don't give up. grit your teeth and you go back. The boat is secured, the crew even more determined

[flaxon3]

I think they hit Zidane!!

[edthedog010596]

I wonder if we'll ever find out what they hit.

[basalt81621]

wondering if they hit a container?

[freddu88]

@basalt81621 I don't think it was a container, there wouldn't be anything left of the boat in that case. More likely it was a large log or some other piece of debris.

[allansteers]

Thanks for showing this in detail.There are a lot of people following Team Sanya and willing you guys to overcome this problem.

[russoz2007]

wow, that must have been scary. not sure what would be scarier, that or having the mast crack down, but anyway, glad you guys made it back to the land in time. cheers

[acksailor93]

Saying that sucks doesn't even express team Sanya's situation. Hope you guys are able to get back into the race ASAP!