Ailing round-the-world yachtie getting better

By JULIE ASH

The condition of sick round-the-world yachtsman Keith Kilpatrick is steadily improving.

Although still weak and unable to eat, the 40-year-old Californian has started to make a slow recovery.

Kilpatrick, on board Grant Dalton's Amer Sports One, is suffering from a suspected blocked intestine.

A Royal Australian Air Force Orion dropped medical supplies to the yacht on Friday.

Kilpatrick will remain on board until the yacht gets closer to the Australian coast. He will be taken off by rescue craft at the waypoint, Eclipse Island, which Amer Sports One is expected to reach in two days.

Kilpatrick has been in the care of Roger Nilson, a qualified orthopaedic surgeon and navigator on the yacht.



"He is now rehydrated and feeling much better," said Nilson. "The main worry is the recurrence of the problem."

Kilpatrick's concern is to get better for the next leg.

"I'm coming through now," he said. "I'm off the needle [saline drip] and can now take drinks orally.

"I feel lousy about having to leave the team but I would only be a hindrance if I stay."

Skipper Dalton said the crew were pushing the yacht as fast as they could.

"The treatment he is receiving onboard from Roger [Nilson] is quite outstanding," said Dalton.

"I faint at the sight of needles so I am of no use at all. Two bunks have been put aside for him, one to sleep in, the other to house the substantial supplies we now have and to hold the drip.

"Maybe there are better places he could be right now, but I can guarantee you he would never get more attention than we are giving him - brothers-in-arms and all that stuff.

"For those who couldn't care less about who wins or loses, or for sailing either for that matter, they can relate to a real-life human drama at the bottom of the world, which I know will have a happy ending," Dalton said.

Amer Sports One is one of seven yachts competing in the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race from Cape Town to Sydney.

The first finishers are expected in Sydney next Monday.

nzherald.co.nz/marine