Kiwi trimaran TeamVodafoneSailing is on track to break the Auckand-Noumea race multihull record today, but the crew’s hearts are with their stricken rival, Beau Geste.
Winds of over 30 knots yesterday had pushed the Vodafone “freight train” towards the outright record in the Evolution Sails Sail Noumea race, but the Orma 60’s progress slowed in confused seas and shifting winds overnight.
The crew reported all was well on board, but their thoughts were with the 18 crew on board Beau Geste, making their way to safety at Norfolk Island after the 80ft monohull suffered serious damage to its hull and decking last night.
“The boys feel gutted for Beau Geste and hope they make Norfolk safely,” the Vodafone crew posted on Facebook.
Beau Geste, with Kiwi match racer Gavin Brady at the helm, is being accompanied by a fishing boat in the rescue mission organized by the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand. The boat issued a distress call around 7pm when conditions on board began deteriorating rapidly in the rough seas.
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