At 2310 GMT 10 February Josh Hall sent race officials the following message: "Disaster -- lost the mast an hour ago and am just about finished cutting it away. It failed below the first spreader by the look of it. Hull and deck appear intact and have salvaged the staysail...Will be setting jury rig and aim to head for Chatham Islands to regroup."
Officials the diverted Brad Van Liew/Balance Bar. Balance Bar was 160 miles behind Hall. Van Liew will reach Hall in 12 to 15 hours, should Hall need his help.
Hall is heading for the Chatham Islands. These Islands have a population of 600 peoples, an airport and communication facilities. The islands are 280 miles to the northwest of Hall.
Hall may not have a pleasant trip to the Chatham's. Forecasts call for 40 to 50 knot winds, and seas up to 16 feet. Torresen Sailing Site will provide further updates information comes out.