There was more drama on the Volvo Ocean Race as one of the boats was forced to pull out of stage five because their mast broke.

The Dongfeng Race Team was among the three boats, of the six-strong fleet, that suffered a Chinese gybe, or ‘death roll’, last week and they are now nursing their boat back to shore after their mast broke.

The incident happened 240 nautical miles west of Cape Horn and the crew – who were all unhurt – reported that the mast had snapped above the third spreader (the top section of the mast).

The Chinese-backed boat is now heading towards Ushuaia in Argentina where they will reassess their problems.

Skipper Charles Caudrelier said: “I’m gutted. As you’ve seen from the position reports we have been, on purpose, backing off a bit, not attacking in any way.

“The mast broke without warning, in about 30 knots of wind. We are unable to sail safely on starboard tack, but we are able to make reasonable speed on port tack. We will head towards Ushuaia and assess our options for getting to Itajaí."

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) is aware of the situation and is on standby to help.

Dongfeng’s problems could aid Hampshire sailors Ian Walker and Simon Fisher onboard the Abu Dhabi in fulfilling their championship ambitions.

The Emirati boat has been competing with Caudrelier’s crew for the overall leadership of the competition and were neck and neck at the start of stage five.

Warsash skipper Walker and his crew are currently in second place in tightly knit top four that is separated by little more than ten nautical miles.

Meanwhile, experienced Hamble navigator Rob Greenhalgh on the Spanish-backed MAPFRE boat is in fourth, according to the latest location reports.

Team SCA, the all-female boat that has Hampshire trio Sam Davies, Dee Caffari and Libby Greenhalgh are more than 500 nautical miles from the rest of the fleet in fifth.

The SCA boat took damage after a Chinese gybe and have been sailing conservatively.