This is not a posting about a "Cape Dory", and if it is out of place I apologize for my transgression in posting it. However, it is pertinent to all sailors that dream about making that high seas voyage, whether in a CD or other vessel, and so I thought you might find it of interest.
The story is contemporary and written in a very straightforward and un-embellished style. It brings home the risk embodied in sailing adventures that some may dream about, rather starkly. I think it'll be worth your read.
https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/sailing ... ntic-73605
Robert
Sobering story about voyages on the high seas
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John Stone
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- Location: S/V Far Reach: CD 36 #61 www.farreachvoayges.net www.farreachvoyages.com
Re: Sobering story about voyages on the high seas
I wasn’t there. So I am loath to second guess his decision to abandon his floating ship. What seems like the best decision under duress for one person may not be the right one for a different person. And it’s hard to convey real fear in a short article. Also, when you are exhausted you often make decisions you would approach differently if better rested. But, getting sleep under those conditions can be futile. So it’s a difficult situation to be in.robwm wrote:This is not a posting about a "Cape Dory", and if it is out of place I apologize for my transgression in posting it. However, it is pertinent to all sailors that dream about making that high seas voyage, whether in a CD or other vessel, and so I thought you might find it of interest.
The story is contemporary and written in a very straightforward and un-embellished style. It brings home the risk embodied in sailing adventures that some may dream about, rather starkly. I think it'll be worth your read.
https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/sailing ... ntic-73605
Robert
But, single-handing offshore is not risk free. You can amp that up in the higher latitudes. But there is so much info missing from this story that if included would be much more helpful for those wanting to gain some insight. What was the state of the rigging? What kind of rigging? Did the skipper climb the rig and inspect it before he started this last passage? If he had a portable HF receiver he would have known about the deteriorating weather because he would have heard it on the high seas wx forecast. Plus, he could have down-loaded wx fax to his iPad/phonefrom a portable HF radio. This info might have informed his decisions. What were the conditions during the knock down? Was he using an auto pilot or wind vane for self steering...can make a difference. What sail combo did he have up and why? What was his storm strategy? Did he consider heaving-to or trailing a Jordan series drogue? Why or why not? Did he even have drogue? Did he cut away his rig? Did he have a plan for a jury rig and if he did he would need to save the spar or boom at least. No mention of a post knock down plan except light off the EPiRB.... I don’t recall there being a breach in the hull.
In short this story doesn’t really tell me anything useful. Glad he made it home to tell the tale....
Last edited by John Stone on Aug 21st, '20, 13:15, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Sobering story about voyages on the high seas
the covid shutdown has hurt a lot of people. but I guess we can't blame his boat loss on the virus. he still would have had to deal with hurricane season in the Caribbean .. but at that point all the ports were shut down. maybe he should have headed home from Spain? tough call 