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Another Loss

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/15/2013 : 20:18:01

http://www.soundingsonline.com/dispatches/289982-video-tragedy-strikes-again

Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage before going over to the Dark Side (2007-2025); now boatless for the first time since 1970 (on a Sunfish).

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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2013 : 22:45:38

This was an experienced sailing crew on a well equipped boat. The weather was "flukey" and as they rounded the NW corner of San Clemente Island their rudder snapped and, as racing crews are prone to do, they waived off assistance from the USCG hoping to complete the race. Unfortunately the rough seas, which included huge swells coming from multiple directions and strong gusty winds, drove the boat closer to the island. They tried to set an anchor but it did not hold and it appears their life-raft failed or they did not have time to deploy it. Everyone on board, except the captain, made it to the rocky shore of San Clemente Island. If you venture outside of any of the Channel Islands, which you do if you round the NW corner of San Clemente, the seas can go from 5-6 ft. to 11-12 ft. and more in a blink. The captain had experienced these conditions before but not having a rudder is a whole other ball-game. The SoCal Sailing community is crushed by this occurrence but everyone who sails in these waters knows, or should, that the Pacific packs a lot of power and venturing upon it is at your peril. Sailing off the California coast can be "pacific" but can test the skills of a seasoned sailor when they least expect it. Trust me, I have been subject to radical, dangerous changes that scared me to death. Sailing in other waters, inland and off-shore, can be just as treacherous. I guess I am trying to say sailing can be a rewarding and fun occupation. How safe it is can change in an instant and the experience of the crew or captain can be a great advantage but is no assurance of safety.

Edited by - Sloop Smitten on 03/15/2013 22:50:29

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 03/16/2013 : 05:44:46

I will never understand those racers with the extreme mentality. Always accept help. Why wouldn't you? Stubborn, clueless and egocentric comes to mind.

Sten

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 03/16/2013 : 07:08:21

The idea that you opt to jury-rig a rudder to continue sailing in a big race on the Pacific is......... I don't have the word. Somebody said this captain put his crew's safety above all else......... Ya, right.

We'll see where the inquiry goes.

The Columbia 32 is a pure-bred sport boat--I'll call it a mini-sled. I believe that's what Jim Baumgart crewed on once in an ocean race along the Mexico coast. I vaguely recall his comments, which were along the lines of "harrowing". The "Carbon" is the latest, lightest version.

BTW, one good thing about an outboard auxiliary is that with no rudder, it can take you to safety.

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 03/16/2013 : 08:47:13

I'm with Dave B. except that I doubt an outboard would be in the water very much in those sized waves.

Sad outcome whichever way you look at it.

I have seen smaller version Sleds off the beach in Fort Lauderdale, in waves around 4-6' they were pretty bumpy, not 32' sleds, and the crew on the boat I saw were wearing appropriate gear.

Paul

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 03/16/2013 : 13:34:22

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by britinusa
 ...and the crew on the boat I saw were wearing appropriate gear.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">It sounds like everything in this case was "appropriate" except the judgement not to accept assistance... and then everything went wrong.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 03/16/2013 : 13:48:04

http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Survivors-of-Calif-sailboat-race-accident-released-4341739.php

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.