Strong winds have wrought carnage in the Jester Challenge fleet. Nine boats have retired but 15 are still sailing in the solo Atlantic challenge from Plymouth to Newport Rhode Island USA.

Andy Lane (pictured) was rescued 600 miles south of Newfoundland by a ship from his boat Amadeus, a 21 footer after she was dismasted and then holed by the fallen spar. She later sank. He is now en route to Antwerp, Belgium aboard the car carrier, Courage which picked him up after his EPIRB alerted the US Coastguard.

Gus Davidson has put into Punto Delgada, Azores after being strapped into his bunk aboard Just Right, his 20 footer for three days in stormy conditions.