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Crewmember Denise MELLOR had fallen whilst below decks and sustained a suspected fracture to her arm. After a thorough examination by the onboard medic it was agreed that although the MELLOR's condition was stable it would not be wise for her to continue onboard and that she should receive proper medical treatment ashore. Already over 50 miles downwind from the start, a return to Fremantle would have been a long and uncomfortable option with the boat forced to motor against the strong breeze that had built during the day. The decision was therefore made to continue racing but to divert into the port of Geraldton some 160 nautical miles further up the coast.

At about 1630 this afternoon Glasgow entered the harbour under guidance from the Harbour Master, to be met by the highly efficient local customs and crewmember Colin DYMOND who had just returned home having sailed from Liverpool to Fremantle on board westernaustralia.com. At the time of writing, MELLOR was on her way to the local hospital where staff, familiar with the race due to the participation of their resident orthopedic surgeon on leg one, were waiting to asses her condition and decide what further action to take. Meanwhile Glasgow were returning to sea to continue racing, their thoughts and commiserations with their departed team mate.

Back in Fremantle, Cardiff's rudder is being repaired by highly regarded local boat builder and it is hoped that they may well be able to re-launch tomorrow evening.

Meanwhile the rest of the fleet continue to race hard and make good progress up the coast. Positions remain tight, especially with the three front runners and we can expect some exciting racing over the next few days. Tactically the main decision has been whether to sail to the east or the west of the Houtman Abrolhos, and small reef and island group infamous for the17th century wreck of the Batavia and subsequent bloody mutiny in which several hundred survivors were brutally murdered. Thankfully for today's seafarers their main concern will have focused on how best to avoid the adverse current that flows south down the coast.