Camper on way to Brazil after rounding Cape Horn

Camper, the Spanish yacht managed by Team New Zealand, has finally rounded Cape Horn and is making its way north to complete leg five of the Volvo round the world race from Auckland to Itajai, Brazil.

The yacht had to stop in Chile to repair a hull damage considered too grave to take the boat through the rigours of the southern ocean.

Unfortunately when we rounded it was dark, no moon to even lighten it for a slight sighting,’’ said media crewman Hamish Hooper.

“For some reason this doesn’t seem to bother me; more often than not it would with a landmark like this, but I guess it illustrates the relief and jubilation of finally making our way north out of the relentless southern ocean.”

The largely Kiwi crew on the Spanish boat now has to make over 1,700 miles up the southern Atlantic, reach the leg five finish in Itajai, Brazil, haul the boat out of the water to check all the repairs and make any new ones, and then be ready to take part in two inshore races before setting off on leg six to Miami.

But, barring any further catastrophe, Australian skipper Chris Nicholson will have bagged 15 valuable points and hold fourth overall behind Spain’s Telefonica, France’s Groupama, fitting a replacement mast, and the leg winner, the American-flagged Puma.

The Chinese yacht Sanya misses the next leg and is being shipped to Savannah for repairs. Abu Dhabi’s Azzam, skippered by Britain’s Ian Walker, is being shipped from Puerto Montt, Chile, to Brazil.

Three new members of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame have been announced by the Herreshoff Marine Museum at Bristol, Rhode Island. Highest profile is Patrizio Bertelli, boss of the Prada luxury goods house. He is joined by two Americans, Jonathan Wright and, posthumously, Gerald Lambert.

“It is a true honour to be part of the select circle of people which

 has contributed towards writing  the history of the America’s Cup,” said Bertelli, who is mounting his fourth challenge for the Cup next year.

“I also consider being the first Italian ever in the America’s Cup Hall of Fame a special recognition; this is not only a personal reward but a tribute to Team Luna Rossa and to Italian sailing, of which I am very proud.

“I would like to dedicate this acknowledgement to all of those who have contributed to this with me.”