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Agency owner’s yacht race bid affected by violent storm

A Suffolk travel agency owner’s bid to complete the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has taken a blow after her team’s yacht was forced to accept last place in the current leg following a violent storm.

Bridget Keevil (pictured), who owns three Travel Stop agencies, was on the deck of the Da Nang yacht, which was on the sixth leg of eight between Vietnam and the US, when it nearly capsized in 45-knot winds on Monday night.

On Tuesday, Keevil’s husband, Paul, posted the news on her blog, The Fat Bird and the Boat.

“The boat has been hit by a wave and knocked on to its side,” he said.

“Broached is the term sailors use, but it seems vastly inadequate for what can lead to a capsize.

“Bridget has a cut head and a black eye. Wendy [the skipper] was thrown out of her bunk and also sustained a cut to her head.”

The crew will motor to Seattle, which means accepting last place for this leg.

Bridget is raising money for Abta LifeLine. To donate, go to justgiving.com/bridgetkeevil


This article originally claimed that the team’s attempt had ended following this storm – however, the team intends only to sit out the current leg of the expedition. This has now been corrected.

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