Trouble on the return trip from Bermuda

Race News     6/26/2012 9:57 PM HAMILTON BERMUDA, June 26, 2012- The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee learned from Bermuda Harbour Radio on Tuesday that two boats returning from the Newport Bermuda Race had faced emergency situations that are being managed by Bermuda Radio and the US Coast Guard. Although they are not in control of the returning yachts, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and the Cruising Club of America continue to monitor the situation and will assist as needed.   Returning crews were offered daily weather briefings and were advised by forecasters of the possibility of strong winds along their route home.   Many of the boats have elected to continue to use their Yellowbrick positioning recording devices for their return trip and may be tracked on http://gae.yb.tl/nb2012return. The position of 'Avenir' has been returned to its 6/24 location at the request of the owner.   Following is the notice distributed by Bermuda Radio RCC:   Early this morning (Tuesday June 26) the Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre received a call from the U.S. Coastguard in Norfolk, Virginia, requesting information on the Newport to Bermuda race boat ‘Avenir’.   41 ft sloop ‘Avenir’ which departed Bermuda two days ago bound for Newport, Rhode Island, reported that vessel had suffered rudder damage in position 230 miles Northwest of Bermuda and was in need of assistance. Unsuccessful attempts were made by the crew to jury rig a temporary rudder with Captain also reporting that some of the crew had become violently seasick. A decision was made by Captain and crew to abandon vessel.   Cruise ship ‘Norwegian Star’ was diverted to the yacht’s position, picking up the six survivors at 2:30 pm this afternoon. Norwegian Star is due into Bermuda tomorrow morning.   Early this afternoon [Tuesday] another ‘Newport to Bermuda’ race boat ‘Convictus Maximus’ contacted the U.S. Coastguard for assistance after a crew member onboard suffered a suspected spinal injury.   Sailing vessel ‘Convictus Maximus’, a 42 foot sloop with six persons onboard, located 230 miles Northwest of Bermuda, also departed Bermuda two days ago bound for Newport, Rhode Island.   Efforts are currently underway to have the injured crewmember brought ashore for medical treatment.