Thirty-six yachts cast off from Cape Town at 12h00 on 4 January for the 3300nm Cape to Rio Race, with teams representing Angola, Australia, Croatia, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy and South Africa.
The race started in 10 knots of North West breeze and sunshine after a thick fog bank hovered over Table Bay for most of the morning. But, as predicted a South Atlantic low pressure system reached the fleet on the first night. With reports of 40 to 60 knts of wind and swells of 6 metres, many yachts experienced difficulties with the conditions but most are coming through the worst part.
This report was posted at 20:00 SAST on 5 January 2014:
BILLE (an Angolan registered Bavaria 54) reported earlier in the race that they mainsail problems and that they were proceeding back to Cape Town for repairs. At 15:00 a report was received that the yacht was dismasted and there were a number of serious injuries on board, including one fatality. MRCC have activated all their agencies and are in constant communication with the vessel. Race HQ sent the nearest vessel Genevieve Too to yacht Bille and they are currently standing close by to offer assistance. Bille is owned by Sybille Marion Doeker Correira Da Silva and the skipper is Luis Manuel De Oliveira Da Silva.
BLACK CAT (Didi 38) has reported a broken rudder and is proceeding back to Cape Town, one crew has a sprained ankle and all are well.
PEEKAY (Beneteau 51) have reported sail problems and are proceeding to Saldanha Bay, crew all well.
EXPLORA (Open 60) have reported engine flooded but all well and will attend to the problem in calmer conditions.
ISLA (Wilderness) has reported both engines inoperable, but generator working.
AVA (Miura) reported in this morning saying that they were having battery power problems. At 16:18 an EPIRB was activated from Ava and but there has been no communication from this vessel since then. Marine Rescue Coordination Centre has activated all agencies even though the yacht appears on course from the tracking system.
DO DO (Fortuna 37) reported in at 19:30 this evening to say that they have lost steering and engine power but are hove to and will do repairs to resume racing.
The naval frigate, Islandwana, has been mustered with medical crew and will be departing this evening to attend to yacht Bille and Ava.