13 Nov 2008. When they lifted Hugo Boss out of the water yesterday, the support team saw massive damage, at least equal to that which she sustained in the collision before the start of the race. It was too early to tell, but it looked as if she may have hit something. “The crack extends 5 metres to almost the centreline. The unidirectional fibres that makes up the outside layer of the boat have peeled off from the start of the crack to the back of the boat.” Now it is clear that she can’t be repaired in time to restart. Hugo Boss has retired.
Sam Davies was in playful mood when she filed her report for the day, including a photo of a pair of red socks, banished to the cockpit lifelines until it rains or she has time to wash them. Unwilling to risk the time needed to put them on before going on deck, she had been wearing those socks and her seaboots for 48 hours.
Dee Caffari, sailing fairly close by in the moonlight last night, told Sam that she had found photos of her support team stashed away in various hiding places. All were naked, with strategically-placed objects obstructing the view. Even Sam’s best binocs weren’t up to the task of viewing them in the light available. Maybe a powerful overhead projector will be required equipment for the next Open 60 race…
