Clipper Round the World Race - Second competitor runs aground in Rio

by Sail-World.com on 4 Oct 2015 CV24 (LMAX Exchange) has run aground 42nm from Rio de Janeiro. There are no injuries and the local coast guard has been informed. The latest updates are at the top of the story

4 October 2015:
The Race office has announced that repairs to LMAX Exchange and Qingdao will mean a delay in them starting the race to Cape Town, the Stormhoek Race to the Cape of Storms, anticipated to be no later than Sunday 11 October 2015, four days later than the scheduled start for the fleet which is to depart on Wednesday 7 October at 1800 UTC (1500 Local Time).

LMAX Exchange and Qingdao will match race each other across the South Atlantic and have their positions decided on an elapsed time basis with the rest of the fleet.

LMAX Exchange ran aground in the early hours of Wednesday 30 September at Restinga da Marambaia while on the way to Verolme, Angra Dos Reis, to be lifted for branding repairs. Qingdao took supplies to the scene and stood by to support operations. However it suffered a ‘propeller wrap’ when a line was caught by the propeller; the boat drifted without engine and was washed onto the sand, but has successfully been re-floated this afternoon, local time.

The decision has been taken to prioritise towing Qingdao to the Marina at Verolme, Angra Dos Reis, first, and the tug will return to re-float LMAX Exchange at first light tomorrow morning local time (Sunday 4 October).

Both boats will be lifted for assessment of any damage and to effect repairs. They are anticipated to be ready to sail within seven days (Sunday 11 October).


UPDATE 2100 UTC / 1800 local time Saturday 3 October 2015

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 prioritise taking CV28 to the marina at Verolme, Angra Dos Reis, first, and will return to re-float CV24 at first light tomorrow local time (Sunday 4 October)

UPDATE 1300 UTC /1000 local time 3 October 2015

Additional paperwork has been completed overnight and equipment will be in place for the re-float to be at high water later this afternoon around 1700 local time / 2000 UTC

UPDATED 2230 UTC / 1930 local time 2 October 2015

All approvals have now been received from the numerous local authorities and interested parties to re-float CV24, LMAX Exchange. This will happen at first light tomorrow, Saturday 3 October.

CV28 Qingdao is standing by and CV26 ClipperTelemed+ is departing this evening with additional Race Office staff to support operations.

A review of the incident has ruled out equipment error. The Race Office has also stated that skipper Olivier Cardin will continue to lead his team.

UPDATE 2000 UTC /1700 local time 1 October 2015

Plans have progressed today to refloat CV24: The required equipment has been commissioned and local approvals are being finalised. A further update will be posted when we have more information.

UPDATE 2000 UTC/1700 local time

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston is with our Race Office team on site with CV24 which ran aground on a sandy outcrop 42 miles southwest of Marina da Gloria. He reports that the only damage appears to be the starboard rudder, which can be repaired.

Sir Robin said: “The hull is intact and the boat is secured by its anchor. We will remain on site to await the arrival of heavier equipment to get her off.”

Sir Robin and our Race Office Team were transferred to the site of the incident by CV27, GREAT Britain, which is now returning to Marina da Gloria.

CV24 LMAX Exchange was transferring to another marina to be lifted for the application of new hull branding when the incident occurred around midnight local time last night. There were no injuries.

Sir Robin, members of the Race Office team and the LMAX Exchange skipper and three crew are remaining with CV24.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL 0600 UTC / 0300 Local Time Wednesday 30 September 2015:

While transiting to another marina to be lifted for the application of new hull graphics, CV24 (LMAX Exchange) has run aground. There are no injuries and the local coast guard has been informed. Skipper Olivier Cardin and three crew aboard are assessing the situation and awaiting further instructions.

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. The skipper informed the Clipper Race Office at 0012 hrs local time / 0312 UTC.

Race officials travelled to the site on board the GREAT Britain yacht and are currently working on a plan to refloat CV24.

More details will be issued as we have them.