Crewman Dies as Storm Dismasts Yacht in Cape to Rio Race
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A crewman on a yacht taking part in the Cape to Rio race died and others were injured as gales damaged at least eight boats in the competition from South Africa to Brazil.
The death and injuries on Bille, which also lost its mast, were reported yesterday, a day after the competition started in Cape Town, race Chairman Ray Matthews said in a statement on the event’s website. The boats sailed into rough seas about 75 nautical miles (86 miles) from the start, South Africa’s National Sea Rescue Institute said in a separate e-mailed statement today.