Dramatic video has emerged of the moment Lake Macquarie sailor Chris Nicholson’s yacht hit a reef in the Indian Ocean.
Ten days out of Cape Town on route to Abu Dhabi in the Volvo Ocean race, Team Vestas Wind is sailing at 19 Knots and seconds from disaster.
With the $10 million yacht hard on the reef the crew brace as waves pound the hull.
The decision is made to stay on board until first light. Other competitors and rescuers are on standby.
The crew abandon the yacht into life rafts and head for the relative safety of the lagoon, beyond the reef.
In the light of day, the damage to the boat is shocking and the crew work to salvage what they can and remove hazardous materials.
Ahead lies a 20 hour boat journey to the island of Mauritius, where the crew of nine men, all uninjured are regrouping and considering their next move.
