Irish Volvo Ocean Race challenger Green Dragon has broken its boom 1,500 miles from the coast of Mauritius. The damage occurred in a 50 knot squall. No crew were injured in the incident and repairs are ongoing.
The boat remains in contact with the onshore team.
Speaking from onboard today, skipper Ian Walker said: "I am sorry to report that we have just broken our boom in a 50 knot squall. We are in the process of recovering the parts. The situation is under control with no harm or risk to anyone. We are carrying on downwind."
The boom is the horizontal pole or spar at the foot of the main sail. Without it the crew are sure to lose a significant amount of pace after beginning the second leg encouragingly and maintaining a place in the top five.