Algimouss-Spirit of Canada, skippered by Canadian Derek Hatfield, has withdrawn from the Vendee Globe after suffering spreader damage in a knockdown.
From Sail-world.com:
The message was short this morning:
40 knot SW’ly winds, boat knocked down, two top spreaders broken, skipper OK? Derek Hatfield (Algimouss-Spirit of Canada) is sailing at reduced speed (7 knots) towards Tasmania, 1000 miles away. It is understood that this was the third time that Algimouss Spirit of Canada had been knocked down in this storm, and Hatfield had seen winds to 57 knots and huge seas. Winds are due to ease.