Ericsson Racing is the latest boat to have been hit by problems during the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. The vessel will have to complete the leg, which ends in Cape Town, under a reduced sail after suffering a keel hydraulics problem.
Ericsson skipper Neal McDonald said: "I heard a loud bang and the keel was flopping from side to side.
"We are in no danger but we are very annoyed because we have lost the opportunity to sail the boat properly."
The seven-month race started in Spain on 12 November and the seven-boat fleet has been hit by a host of problems.
Early in the race, Pirates of the Caribbean and Movistar returned to port after sustaining damage in strong winds.
Pirates of the Caribbean will be shipped to Cape Town ready for the start of the second leg.
Australian boat Sunergy also suffered a broken boom but was able to re-start the race.
Leaders ABN Amro One continue to set the pace ahead of ABN Amro Two while Brasil 1 lies in third place.
The leaders are due to reach Cape Town on 1 December.
From Cape Town, the fleet then sails eastward round the world in eight more legs, stopping off in Melbourne, Wellington, Rio de Janeiro, Baltimore, New York, Portsmouth, Rotterdam and Gothenburg.
MMIX
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