Deadly Volvo yacht race ‘like a slalom’– competitor

HONG KONG: Teams competing in the Volvo Ocean Race had to slalom their way around numerous Hong Kong on the fourth leg of the journey, French sailor Franck Cammas told AFP, after a collision

The gruelling 5,800- nautical mile stage from Melbourne, Australia to Hong Kong was won by local group Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag in a historic victory. But news that a rival team had crashed into over celebrations.

Nine people were rescued following the accident Saturday, which tore a hole in the side of the American-Danish team’s boat, Vestas 11th Hour Racing, and sank

Hong Kong police said a 50- year- old man from China boat was airlifted to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

All Vestas crew members were safe but the incident forced the fourth leg.

Franck Cammas, one of France’s most successful sailors who was with China’s Dongfeng Race Team, said they were

Volvo Ocean Race yacht team Brunel (right) sails past a local ferry as it arrives at the race village at Kai Tak Runway Park in Hong Kong on January 20. A collision between a mainland Chinese fishing boat and the US-Danish team Vestas 11th Hour Racing during the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race left one man dead, police said on January 20, overshadowing a historic victory for the Hong Kong team as the city hosted the race for the first time. attempting to catch up with the second- placed Vestas when the accident happened.

He said there was always a risk of collision on approach to the coast but a high number of boats particularly challenging.

“We were in the middle of two areas previously that were just as dense. This was the last area before we got to Hong Kong,” the 45-year-old, who skippered the winning Groupama IV in the 20112012 race, told AFP.

He added that these kinds of accidents were “extremely rare” because vessels usually have equipment on board to help spot other boats.