China's Dongfeng was one of four boats in the Volvo Ocean Race fleet to keel over in the Southern Ocean on Tuesday as the fleet experienced its roughest conditions since the event started last October.

The all-women's crew of Team SCA (Sweden), Dongfeng and MAPFRE (Spain) all suffered 'Chinese gybes' - with the boats briefly tipped on their sides - during 12 hours of drama as they headed toward Cape Horn.

Another competitor, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, also endured a drama-filled night, reporting "a massive wipeout", although it was not pitched on its side in the same way as the other three.