KEY POINTS:
A Russian solo yachtsman battled "monstrous seas" in the Southern Ocean southeast of New Zealand overnight.
Fedor Knoyukov was hit by the same extreme low which affected the French trimaran Groupama III when it capsized yesterday.
In his last satellite phone call to the organisers of the Antarctica Cup yacht race at 1am (NZ time) today, Knoyukov said at 52 degrees South he was experiencing "very harsh conditions with winds 50-55 knots, gusts up to 65 knots, and monstrous seas.
"Some of the waves are half the height of my 110ft mast. It is difficult to breath on deck when standing against the wind."
His main sail was lashed down to the boom and he had only a third of his stay sail set, but was he was travelling at 10 knots and surfing 15 knots on the waves.
"It's very rough but the boat is holding up okay and conditions are gradually weakening."
He said he was sad to hear of the Groupama capsize, as he knew most of the crew and sailed with its navigator Yves Parlier in the Vendee Globe 2000.
"Before it was good to know that there were other guys sailing in the Southern Ocean waters, but not any more," Knoyukov said.
"Thank God all were rescued and are unhurt."
- NZPA
