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Good Sportsmanship: Around-the-World Yacht Racers Alter Course to Aid Injured Competitor

The toughest solo yacht race on the planet threw an extra curve ball at French sailor Yann Elies on Thursday, as he suffered a broken leg when his sailboat was hit by a massive wave 800 miles from the coast of Australia. In an impressive show of sportsmanship and support for their stricken rival, two other competitors altered course to go to his aid, arriving at about the same time as an Australian naval frigate. British yachtswoman Sam Davies (pictured) and Frenchman Marc Guillemot both diverted their respective vessels to intercept Elies, because, as Davies notes, "most of the time we are our nearest rescuers." Elies was transferred to the frigate and put under a doctor's care, and Davies and Guillemot have since returned to the race.

And what a race it is: the Vendée Globe requires sailors to circle the globe all alone, without stopping, and with no assistance from anyone. This year's race began at Les Sables d'Olonne, France on November 9 and will end some time in February in the exact same place, after the racers have gone around the world following the old clipper route and passing through gates near South Africa, east and west Australia, and in the Pacific Ocean. Amazingly, some of these talented sailors finish in less than 100 days. It sounds exciting, but with broken legs, seasickness, and the possibility of drowning, we'll stick to the pleasure cruises for now.

[Photo: telegraph.co.uk]

Related Stories:
· British Yachtswoman Resumes Race After Rival is Rescued [Telegraph]
· Injured Vendee Sailor Elies Rescued By Navy Ship [AP]
· Vendée Globe [Official Site]
· Yachting Coverage [Jaunted]