ALICANTE, Spain (AP) — American boat Puma became the third member of the Volvo Ocean race fleet to sustain serious damage when its mast broke on Monday during the first leg from Spain to South Africa.
U.S. skipper Ken Read’s boat had led for much of the opening stage and was in second place when the rig broke as the yacht sailed through rough conditions in the South Atlantic.
Organizers said no one was injured.
Read said he may try to steer the boat to a nearby island for repairs before deciding whether to rejoin the race.
Read said his crew was “the saddest and most disappointed 11 people on earth.”
Spanish team Telefonica leads the race ahead of Camper and French boat Groupama.
The second leg from Cape Town to Abu Dhabi starts on Dec. 11.
