Mast falls in stormy night in Auckland Noumea race

9:33 PM Sun 28 Jun 2009 GMT

'Race tracker at 0800hrs on 29 June 2009 showing all but two of the race fleet sheltering behind Cape Reinga, waiting for the winds to abate.' Click Here to view large photo

One yacht has been dismasted and most of the fleet are sheltering in a storm that has hit the Auckland to Noumea race fleet overnight.

Overnight, conditions at Cape Reinga were recorded gusts of up 52kts with an increasing trend, before recording was suspended at 0300hrs

In the latest report from race organisers, they have reported that Bullrush has reported breaking her mast and has retired. From the positions off the race tracker all but two yachts would appeared to have withdrawn or suspended racing, waiting for conditions to moderate before heading out into the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean.

Two yachts, V5 and Limit are still racing and are well out into the Pacific.

Reports at 0800hours - Monday 29 June, 2009

Bullrush has retired, lost the rig during the night off the top of NZ, all crew are fine but bitterly disappointed as they were going very well. They are motoring back to Auckland now.

0730hours - Monday 29 June 2009

Antaeus has also retired from the race, and is heading back to clear customs in Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland.

0700hours - Monday 29 June 2009

REVS has retired from the race, having suffered damage to their mast track. They are heading back to the Bay of Islands, disappointed to pull out when they were doing well.

Several boats have turned south to head for shelter, and missed the morning radio schedule.

by Richard Gladwell