Volvo Ocean Race - Team Sanya officially suspend racing

by Volvo Ocean Race on 27 Mar 2012
Team Sanya have arrived in the New Zealand port of Tauranga on Tuesday evening, New Zealand time .

Earlier, Mike Sanderson’s team notified race control that they were suspending racing on Leg 5 from Auckland to Itajaí, Brazil, at 2036 UTC on Monday.

Sanya were forced to turn around four days into the 6,700 nautical mile leg after one of their rudders broke in huge seas east of New Zealand.

Mike Sanderson’s team notified race control that they were suspending racing on Leg 5 from Auckland to Itajaí, Brazil, at 2036 UTC on Monday, arriving in Tauranga around 0830 UTC.

The team announced yesterday that the boat will be shipped to Savannah in the United States and then sailed to Miami ahead of Leg 7.

'Sails are now de-battened, things are drying out on deck and we have had our last freeze-dried meal for a while,' MCM Andres Soriano reported.

'Although a bit sad and a bit strange, we don’t let that occupy our minds too much and just concentrate on moving forward with what we can do next.'

'We look forward to seeing our shore team tonight and reuniting with friends and loved ones. The next few days will be packed with action as we prepare the boat to be loaded on a ship and you can be sure that we will keep you updated on the progress.'

Skipper Mike Sanderson added: 'We will make it happen and Team Sanya will be back in action before you know it.'

Volvo Ocean Race website