GOLD COAST AUSTRALIA MEDIVAC TO CHI-LUNG TAIWAN

Due to an serious injury that occurred to one of our crew members Tim Burgess this morning while conducting a sail change on
the fore deck Gold Coast Australia is now proceeding at best speed to the port of Chi-Lung Taiwan.

Tim Broke his leg while changing from the storm staysail to the staysail at approximately 0800 this morning. Falmouth Coast
Guard and the Clipper Race Office were notified as soon as the Tim was safely below and a helicopter evacuation was
organised. Unfortunately the helicopter could not effect a successful rescue and so a Taiwan Coast Guard Vessel was
dispatched. After attempting to come alongside the Coast Guard Vessel I made the decision that the transfer would be too
dangerous due to the wind, swell and sea state so we are continuing to Chi-Lung 45nm to our South West at best speed under
engine where Tim will be taken by ambulance to hospital. Crew member Nick Woodward will escort Tim to the hospital so he will be in safe hands.

Nick decided to also be MEDIVACED as a precaution after he was thrown accross the accomodation in rough seas yesterday
afternoon. The force that Nick hit his head on the lockers beside the bed was enough to crach the plywood locker. There is
no obvious signs of further injury to Nick however he still has a headache so we are evacuating him as a precautionary measure.

This is an unfortunate injury for Tim and the crew as Tim is one of our most valuable crew members. Tim is always one of
the first to get up the bow to help out with sail changes and works very hard. It is hoped that Tim will be able to resume
the his position on Team Gold Coast once his leg has healed for the final legs of the race.

Once Tim a successful MEDIVAC is carried out Cold Coast Australia will continue racing to Qingdao China. Our position in
the fleet is yet to be determined but is considered insignificant considering the circumstances. Our main priority at the
moment is the safe disembarkation of Tim and Nick and to ensure they receive the best medical treatment so they can rejoin us as soon as possible

Richard Hewson