Yachting: PlayStation pulls out of global race

New Zealand-built giant catamaran PlayStation last night withdrew from the non-stop round-the-world The Race after it was plagued by more damage.

The skipper, American billionaire Steve Fossett, made the decision to quit the race and head towards Miami when the port hull daggerboard snapped off and two more sails failed yesterday.

PlayStation had two new sails explode before it had even left the Mediterranean at the start of the race a fortnight ago.

"We are destined to be struggling with sail repairs for the rest of the way," Fossett said.

"We just aren't prepared to tackle the Southern Ocean."

Three New Zealanders are on board PlayStation, the boat once rated favourite to win the inaugural race.

Club Med, skippered by New Zealander Grant Dalton, leads the race in the South Atlantic.