Sat, 20 May 2006 22:00:00 UTC
movistar has reported problems with their keel, which has caused the boat to take on water in rough conditions out in the Atlantic.
At 2200GMT the Volvo Ocean Race headquarters issued the following statement concerning Bouwe Bekking’s Volvo Open 70:
movistar, the Spanish entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06, has suffered damage to the keel area and has asked race headquarters to put surrounding rescue organisations, including the Falmouth Coast Guard, on standby.
Bouwe Bekking (NED) the skipper, informed race headquarters at Whiteley, Hampshire, at 1527 (GMT) that the boat was taking on water. The pumps are coping with the ingress of water and the crew has stabilised the problem.
Currently their position is 410 nautical miles west south west of Land’s End and they are sailing at ten knots in 22 knots of wind. The sea state is rough, with waves of six metres.
ABN AMRO TWO has altered course to stand by and Brunel have been advised of the situation and are on standby to assist if required.