A 70-foot yacht due to participate in the Sydney to Hobart has been hit by a breaking wave in a Southern Ocean storm close to Tasmania which has left a crewman with broken ribs and a head injury.
Northern Irish entry Derry-Londonderry-Doire is part of the 12-strong matched fleet which makes up the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and was diverted to Hobart so injured sailor Michael Gaskin could be treated ashore.
Gaskin sustained suspected broken ribs and a cut to his head after he fell by one of the dual helms when a wave broke over the yacht in rough seas and 35-40 knots of wind, gusting 50-60 knots, approximately 130 nautical miles to the southwest of Tasmania.
"The skipper reports that Mike is in a stable condition and is receiving pain relief," said race director Justin Taylor.
"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."
