18 March 2012

Abu Dhabi Returning to Auckland

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing suspended racing and are heading back to Auckland after suffering damage to the J4 bulkhead on their racing yacht Azzam shortly after the start of Leg 5 to Itajaí. All crew are safe, the team reported.

At 8.00pm NZ time, Abu Dhabi skipper Ian Walker reported that Azzam had suffered a broken J4 bulkhead and suspended racing.

"Only 50 nautical miles into the leg and given the close proximity to Auckland, where the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing shore team is still based, Walker decided returning to port to undertake repairs was the best course of action," the statement said.

"Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing is expected to rejoin the Volvo Ocean Race Leg 5 immediately after repairs are complete -- approximately in the next 48 hours."

More information will be provided when it becomes available.

"We will give every assistance possible to the Abu Dhabi shore crew to help them get the repairs done," said Auckland Stopover Port Director Tom Mayo.

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