The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers boat Spirit of Juno is crewed solely by amputees and they are now suffering from saltwater sores caused by spray getting between their stumps and their false limbs.

‘Our peg legs are beginning to suffer the effects of salt water,’ said mate Brendan, ‘especially when they get soaked up on the foredeck. Believe me when you get salt water between your skin and artificial limb, life becomes extremely uncomfortable.’

ARC yachts are continuing to make pit-stops at Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands to pick up fuel. The local fuel truck is doing a roaring trade in a pre-Christmas bonanza for the islands. Others are arriving to make minor repairs to systems, whilst Gambit is stopping off so that a crew member can see a doctor.