While transiting to another marina to be lifted for the application of new hull graphics, CV24, LMAX Exchange, ran aground. There were no injuries and the local coast guard was informed. The incident occurred approximately 42 miles from Marina da Gloria, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the Clipper Race fleet is berthed, at night in light winds and good visibility.
While assisting the operation CV28, Qingdao, suffered a prop wrap when a line was caught by the propeller; the boat drifted without engine and was washed onto the sand, but was subsequently re-floated. The decision was taken for the tug to prioritize taking CV28, Qingdao, to the marina at Verolme, Angra Dos Reis, first, and then return to re-float CV24, LMAX Exchange.
CV24 LMAX Exchange was successfully re-floated and towed to the marina at Verolme, Angra Dos Reis, to join CV28 Qingdao which was towed there earlier, to be assessed, lifted and repaired as required.
All four rudders have now been removed and are in the workshop for repair, which is anticipated to be completed within a week. They will then be fitted together with other work which should enable both LMAX Exchange and Qingdao to return to Marina da Gloria on Sunday 11 October ahead of starting Race 2 to Cape Town on an elapsed time basis.
The second race in the Clipper 2015-16 Round the World Yacht Race series, The Stormhoek Race to the Cape of Storms, started off the Brazilian coast Oct 7, 2015 for its 3,417 nautical mile voyage to Cape Town, South Africa.
LMAX Exchange and Qingdao are anticipated to start racing on Sunday 11 October after repairs are completed.
The Clipper Race fleet is due into Cape Town, between 21-25 October and will be berthed at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront until 31 October.
To track the fleet’s progress in the race you can follow the Race Viewer at www.clipperroundtheworld/raceviewer
Read more updates at the Clipper Round the World Race site.
