Slattery in repair operation

Irish sailor Justin Slattery was lowered overboard 1,700 miles from land or rescue yesterday after Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s hull started to delaminate and required a complex repair operation in the Volvo Ocean Race.

It was the second time in this fifth leg of the race skipper Ian Walker faced significant problems that have effectively ended ambitions of overall victory. Yesterday saw the only two boats in this leg not to have damage problems pass Cape Horn as Franck Cammas on Groupama 4 led, a few miles ahead of Ken Read’s Puma team.