Clipper Update: Medivac in Hobart

While most of the boats in the Clipper Round the World Race are now in the Tasman Sea having rounded the bottom of Tasmania, Irish boat Derry~Londonderry~Doire has had to divert to Hobart with an injured crew member.

Crew member Michael Gaskin (pictured), 54, from the West Midlands, UK was taken by Ambulance to hospital in Hobart after being knocked down by a big wave south of Tasmania. He was suspected to have suffered broken ribs as well as a head wound.

Skipper of Derry~Londonderry~Doire Daniel Smith reported that the yacht had left the marina and was heading back to the point where he engaged the engine to continue racing toward Sydney.

"The skipper reports that Mike is in a stable condition and is receiving pain relief," explained Race Director Justin Taylor. "The conditions were quite challenging at the time. Mike was clipped on behind the high side helm. The low side helm took over to allow Mike to step in.

"A breaking wave broke over the side of cockpit and Mike says he hit the pushpit and heard his ribs crunch. He was then washed into the A frame and sustained a small cut to his head. He was stopped by his safety tether. This was the first breaking wave into the boat the team had experienced, although they had a lot of spray."

Meanwhile, LMAX Exchange continues to lead the way and has opened up a 28 nautical mile lead over its nearest rival. Having already recorded two wins in this year’s race edition, Skipper Olivier Cardin is ensuring his crew do not get complacent: "Yesterday, we began to ease the sheets. Two hours after, the first little surfs were here and since then they are coming in succession, longer and longer.

"At midday, we were alongside Tasmania; the wind blew 50 knots, the sun was shining and the sea was white. It was fantastic! The lead on our little friends had slightly increased but they are still dangerous. The Scoring Gate is 180 nautical miles away. The wind will decrease but we will put more sails up."

The following three teams of GREAT Britain, Mission Performance and Garmin have just over five nautical miles between them. The short distance, and ability to physically each other on deck, and not just on the AIS (Automatic Identification System) has added extra spice to the competitive spirit on board. Peter Thornton, Skipper of GREAT Britain, which is currently less than a mile ahead of third placed Mission Performance says: "Garmin seemed to come out of nowhere yesterday evening, stomping along. There went my quiet night. We have traded positions a couple of times over the past 24 hours and now luckily, only because of her having to gybe away from Great Mewstone, we are ahead again but only marginally. Given the challenging conditions anything can happen.

"In fact, it was due to us battling all night that we converged on Mission Performance this morning. Now all three of us are within AIS range and cruising up the coast in a pleasant sightseeing group."

You can follow the race up the Australian east coast to the finish in Sydney on the race viewer here.