Messenger, a yacht crewed by six Kent people, was swamped by a wave which knocked out its computer-controlled communications equipment about 1,000 miles into its Atlantic voyage.

The 40ft ketch, owned and skippered by Edwin Boorman, is one of 350 vessels battling through heavy seas on the World Cruising Club's annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC).

One competitor said it was like being on an roller coaster after several days of 25 knot trade winds had whipped up the sea.

One vessel lost a mast, another a rudder and others had sails torn in the powerful trade winds.

One boat was abandoned after a Mayday alert resulted in the unwell skipper being evacuated. It was not considered safe to leave the remaining two crew members on board.

Messenger, with about 1,400 miles still to go, is now relying on a satellite phone link for vital weather reports and other information.

Mr Boorman, president of the Kent Messenger Group and a Deputy Lieutentant of Kent, said they were making good progress and everyone on board was bearing up well despite the heavy weather.

A particularly large wave had swept into the cockpit and put the computer out of action, he reported.

A race official said the relentless winds and hot sun were providing exciting sailing conditions, but were making life uncomfortable for some crews. Sleeping was difficult and acrobatic skills were required to do essential things such as cooking.

Thursday December 7

The first vessel home complete the crossing from Gran Canaria to St Lucia in 11 days and five hours. At that point Messenger was about 1,300 miles away.