Pete Goss and the crew of Team Philips have begun the task of assessing the damage to the port and starboard hulls. They were joined late this morning in St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly by Team Philips‘ designer Adrian Thompson.

“Today is all about regrouping,” said Goss. “Yesterday was fighting to get out of a difficult situation. We got the boat in safety and got her through last night. We are running the boat now rather that the boat running us.

“We will start the methodical process of finding out what problem is. Until we know this we can only make assumptions. As with all engineering issues we have to give the design and build teams the room and time they need to work it through. Once we have the answer, we can draw a line in the sand to move forward.

“I feel such pride in the team. This is not about finger pointing, but working together to find a solution. We are all floating on a huge wave of public support – it really helps and is very much appreciated. We’ve received messages from thousands of people, including Richard Branson, Steve Fossett and our other competitors in The Race.”

Nick Booth, Logistics Manager is working on a plan today to move Team Philips back to Totnes. “When we are happy that the boat is safe to tow, we will tow her backwards,” said Booth. “We are currently working with our meteorologist, Lee Bruce, to look for a suitable weather window. We would like to get back to Devon in one hop, but if necessary will leap frog around the coast.”

At the same time Andy Hindley, Pete’s second in command and Keith Fennell, the build production manager, have been lent an aircraft by supporter John Frewer and will be looking for the detached 45ft section of bow which broke away from the port hull yesterday lunchtime. They will base their search on the wind direction, tidal patterns and local knowledge supplied by the Harbour Master, Geoff Penhaligon.

“The aim of the day is to find the broken piece of the bow, get its exact location so that we can guide a boat in to pick it up,” said Hindley.