Clipper skipper to leave boat after leg break
THE skipper of the Hull and Humber Clipper has broken his leg after he slipped and fell on deck.
Piers Dudin, the only professional yachtsman onboard, is awaiting evacuation.
The accident happened yesterday during leg five of the arduous Clipper 09-10 Round The World Yacht Race.
Dudlin suffered a nasty open fracture to his right leg, according to race organisers.
Today, the yacht was being manned by the amateur crew who have turned the vessel towards the coast of Japan.
It is thought a replacement skipper will be flown in for part or all the race, which concludes in Hull, in June.
The boat was 400 nautical miles off the east coast of Japan, on its ways from China to San Francisco, when the accident happened.
The Japanese Coastguard was dispatched with a doctor onboard yesterday afternoon.
Sea conditions will dictate if Salisbury-based Piers will be evacuated by boat or helicopter.
An open fracture is a broken bone that penetrates the skin.
Immediate treatment is needed and an operation is often required to clean the area around the fracture, because of the risk of infection.
It is the third stroke of bad luck to hit the Hull and Humber.
On November 6, Hull crew member Arthur Bowers fell overboard and had to be rescued from the freezing waters.
Then, on November 22, the Hull and Humber had a dramatic collision in South Africa with rival boat Cork, leaving them 10 days behind the rest of the fleet.
Zoe Williamson, communications manager at Clipper Ventures, said: "Piers is in good spirits. His leg was strapped up by the crew and he is on painkillers, getting rest where he can.
"The crew have got lots of experience, having travelled 18,000 miles, so they will have no problems sailing the boat for now."
The Spirit of Australia yacht is shadowing the Hull and Humber as a precautionary measure.
A&E consultant doctor Joan Clancy, onboard The Spirit of Australia, is on standby, ready to give medical assistance if required.
12 Comments
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by capt pugwash, seven seas.
Friday, March 12 2010, 4:15PM
“I said weeks ago about the clipper not having two qualified sailing skippers on board.But certain people insisted they had, one is on todays comments under a different name.Bad organising from day one.”
by Albert, Ross
Friday, March 12 2010, 1:45PM
“Fleetwood Mac”
by Ranter, Hull.
Friday, March 12 2010, 1:03PM
“Strokes of bad luck?.
Sounds more like an ancient mariners curse to me.”
by capt pugwash, seven seas
Friday, March 12 2010, 12:50PM
“Spot on Melin,Jessica is running rings round them.”
by Merlin, Hull
Friday, March 12 2010, 11:26AM
“Well done the Ozzzy Yacht. True spirit. THAT is what is all about.”
by Michael, Barrow upon Humber
Friday, March 12 2010, 10:21AM
“Spiked - check your facts. The weekend that the Clipper event started saw thousands of people visit Hull, and millions of pounds flow into the local economy. Events like this (with minimal input from the council) can only be good for the City, and as a Hull lad now living outside the City I was delighted to be able to be a part of an event which put the City on the world stage. I even saw Chinese TV crews in the City that day - roll on the return in July for another great day for Hull.”
by Simon, Beverley
Friday, March 12 2010, 9:23AM
“tough place to be with a broken leg onboard a constantly moving racing yacht.
Spiked, Dean is right the money put in from the Council was minimal and if you are in the East Riding what has it got to do with you”
by Joe, Hull
Friday, March 12 2010, 8:47AM
“poor excuse..
i once sailed to the moon with only 3 fingers and a packet of crisps”
by Kate, Bev
Friday, March 12 2010, 8:37AM
“What a shame for him, to get so far and have this happen. Wishing him a safe return.”
by Dean, Hull
Friday, March 12 2010, 7:51AM
“Spiked - The actual race and any costs involved throughout are paid for by business sponsorship. No matter what events are going on within the UK or around the world there are always moaners like you to bring any event down.”