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7 September 2002, 12:30 pm

Fourth Day of Racing

Rolex Cup - Maxi World Championship

Porto Cervo, Sardinia

On the fourth day of racing the sailors not only were hit by the arrival of a very strong Mistral wind of about 25 knots, but also by the horror of the accident which occurred during the race.

While the Wally yacht "Askherout", belonging to the Swiss Gualtiero Mattia Medici, was heading towards the Lavezzi island, and while he was rounding the cliff, the yacht hit the keel on some rocks. At once the boat started to take in water. As soon as the crew realised what had happened, they headed out towards a sandbank so that the yacht would not sink.

No one on board was seriously hurt except for one team member who slightly dislocated his shoulder. The first yachts to rescue "Askherout" were two other boats participating in the race, "Viriella" and "Tuamata".

Less serious was the damage had by "Idea/SAI", which in the first part of the race, while the boat was heading towards the Saline Gulf, broke the main halyard.

The fourth day of racing was awarded to "Virtuelle" belonging to Carlo Perrone, for the IMS division ( the first yacht to cross the finish line in non corrected time was "Morning Glory"). Second was "Alexia" and third "Sotto Voce".

Rolex Press/News Editor

World Sailing TV

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