Today at approximately 10.30 UTC Christophe Bullens contacted the Velux 5 Oceans race headquarters to tell them he had rudder problems aboard his 60' yacht Five Oceans of Smiles Too. He felt only option was to return to Cape Town to carry out repairs. Since then, we have received more details of his problems: his port rudder has sheared a bolt and other bolts have come loose, and he is unable to tighten them while single-handed at sea.
Waterfront Harbour Master Steven Bentley has kindly allocated dock space near the Two Oceans Acquarium where the Velux 5 Oceans fleet was based during their Cape Town stopover, so that the Belgian competitor has a safe berth to work on his yacht.
Christophe is not expected to reach Cape Town before late Saturday evening local time. Allan Brink, a keen local sailor and Royal Cape Yacht Club member, has generously volunteered to help Christophe to repair the rudder as quickly as possible.
It is Christophe's intention to rejoin the race as soon as possible.
From Velux 5 Oceans
