‘Absolutely incredible’ crash leaves 11th Hour Racing Team’s hopes of winning the Ocean Race 2022-23 in tatters

There were “absolutely incredible” scenes at the start of Leg 7 of The Ocean Race 2022-23 as leaders 11th Hour Racing Team were left with a hole in the stern of their boat following a crash with GUYOT environnement – Team Europe.

The teams were making their way out of The Hague, Netherlands when GUYOT environnement – Team Europe crashed into the side of 11th Hour Racing Team, who are leading the overall standings by two points.

The incident caused significant damage to the 11th Hour Racing Team boat and they were forced to head back to shore for repairs.

The crew looked shocked as their chances of winning the race were thrown into huge doubt.

“There is an enormous impact of what this could mean for the race,” said Eurosport commentator Niall Myant-Best.

“It seems like everybody on board was out of the way of the collision. That was only by half a metre.

“This is absolutely incredible for 11th Hour Racing Team. Skipper Charlie Enright has looked over the side of the boat and seen the damage.”

The incident could end 11th Hour Racing Team’s chances of winning the race and skipper Enright was seen with his hands on his head afterwards.

They need to finish the final leg, which ends in Genova, Italy, to have a chance of topping the standings.

GUYOT environnement – Team Europe also headed back to shore following the incident.

“This is devastating for GUYOT environnement – Team Europe,” added Myant-Best.

“They have come back from so much. I am hoping the damage is minimal, it was on the bow. In terms of a strong point on the boat that bow is built to withstand a lot of slamming and load.”

The incident left only Team Holcim-PRB, Team Malizia and Biotherm out on the water.

The last stage of the race is a 2,200-nautical mile, 10-day leg from The Hague through to Genova, Italy.

It is both the first time The Ocean Race has finished in the Mediterranean and the first visit the race has made to Italy.

The current leaders of the race are 11th Hour Racing Team on 33 points.

Team Holcim – PRB are in second place on 31 points and Team Malizia are third on 27 points.

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