Team Delta Lloyd, has been forced to head to Keelung in Taiwan with damage to the bow section of the boat. The boat was in fourth position on leg four of the Volvo Ocean Race from Singapore to Qingdao when the decision was made to turn back.

In 30-knots of breeze and big waves, David Pella from Spain discovered a crack in the bow bulkhead, which gives the hull its strength. The bow also showed some signs of delamination. A few hours earlier, the mainsail had been torn again. The combined factors resulted in the inevitable decision to take shelter. Team Delta Lloyd is currently 14 nm from Keelung City in the northeast of Taiwan and expects to arrive in approximately two hours time.  The team has not officially suspended racing so far and will carryout further inspection to the boat once in Taiwan.

“We are very disappointed, as we really wanted to do well in this leg. But Chuny (skipper Roberto Bérmudez/ESP) did want not to take any risks in terms of the crew’s safety,” explained Media Crew Member Sander Pluijm/NED.

 “At the time we discovered the damage, we were sailing under storm jib and with three reefs in the main.  It would have been irresponsible to continue racing, especially with the cold Chinese weather coming up. We informed the coast guard and put the safety procedure into operation,” he said.

 “Due to the delamination, the hull is absorbing water, which softens the bow which might break by wave slamming. That is the biggest risk now. The pumps are ready to use, so we won’t sink,” Pluijm added.   The crew has closed the watertight bow compartment as a precaution.

Earlier today, Ericsson 3 (Magnus Olsson/SWE) experienced similar problems to Delta Lloyd and has already arrived safely in Keelung City and officially suspended racing from this leg.

Leg Four Day 10: 1900 GMT Volvo Ocean Race Positions