Yacht racers go into battle with storms

A TEAM of sailors taking part in a round the world race have been battling huge storms and broken sails in the latest leg of their voyage.

The Edinburgh Inspiring Capital team were battered around by fierce seas on the latest stage of the Clipper Round the World Yacht race, which takes them from Singapore to Quingdao.

And as they struggled to catch the leaders, the team had also had to dodge coral reefs and mend broken sails.

After making through the worst of the weather, and regaining some ground, skipper Matt Pike said: "Our plan of breaking east became a real battle as the sea and wind rose, trapping us behind the island of Myako Shima, unable to get around the far side. Not wanting to turn back on ourselves we couldn't turn northwest, the coral outcrops kept us from passing too close between the islands.

"But we're now on course for the finish line and closing fast. Another sheet (sail] has gone – I can't believe these have a breaking strain of eight tons and we're snapping them like bits of wool."