A total of 25 yachts have retired from the Middle Sea Race leaving 92 yachts in the race.
The expected frontal system arrived around midnight at the northwest corner of the course.
Reports of storm force winds and big seas where received by the race committee and 25 yachts had officially retired by 3pm CET. The committee received no reports of injuries to crew from the fleet.
The retired yachts are Amapola, Aurora, Anouska, Azawak, Il Cavaliere, GYR Scarlet Oyster, Alcor V, Intuition Kabestan, Varuna, Walle G, Gordons, Lady Ruth ACR, Il Moro di Venezia XXVII, Unica, El Stan, Durlindana3, Ton Ton Kabestan, Salana, Mascalzone Latino, Magic Dragon, Little Emily, Gaetana, Zenhea Takesha, Manana and Stormy Weather of Cowes,
Those still racing cracked sheets last night, hitting the turbo, flying downwind at incredible speeds.
This speed comes at a price. For if the boat loses control or accelerates into the waves too fast, the loads involved could result in damage.