ORCV Melbourne to Vanuatu (M2V)

BULLETIN: 2135hrs 7 July - Ingenue retires from 2010 M2V.

Thankfully, both Rosie Colahan and David James are fine and the vessel is OK, but as a result of a spinnaker wrap around the forestay, sheets and all, Ingenue have retired. They are just 30nm off Eden on the Southern NSW coast, to where they are now heading and will assess it all in daylight. It has been blowing consistently around the 25knot mark and they have shredded the kite. In the dark they have not been able to resolve the issues satisfactorily, hence the retirement. David and Rosie are exceptionally well-campaigned sailors, with many Melbourne to Hobart, Sydney to Hobart, Melbourne to Osaka and the last M2V under their belts.

"We're terribly frustrated having to retire from an ocean race. This is something we've never done before", said Rosie to Race Director, Bob Tanner.

Sydney Water Police, based in Eden, are listening out for Ingenue and her arrival into the port of Eden.

Rosie and David are very good friends and I feel for them, very much, at this time - as I sure a whole bunch of people do. Glad you guys are OK!!!

More soon.

Pic © Steb Fisher.

To see where the fleet are located after the 2130EST sked, please go HERE.

By John Curnow