By John Simpson
The recent tragic loss of four sailors delivering ‘Cheeki Rafiki’ back to UK after race week in Antigua. Has prompted great sadness from all yachtsmen and sailors alike; our thoughts must go out to all their families.
Modern production yachts can be made unsinkable. I realise this may not have saved these men’s lives. Particularly after we were told that the crew hadn’t had time to deploy the yacht’s liferaft. Perhaps due to rapid inversion after keel loss?
But having an unsinkable boat would give the crew more time during all the other circumstances that arise from hull failure.
Western governments try and tackle yacht safety in a variety of ways. France leads most of Europe in concentrating on giving categories; these determine how far each particular type of yacht can go offshore. They don’t seem to worry so much about the competent of the sailors.
Here in Britain the Royal Yachting Association tries to adjudicate with both yacht safety and the skill level of the crew. Particularly if the yacht involved is used in a commercial way for training, charter etc. Both America and Canada don’t seem to legislate quite so much as Europe yet, but that could change rapidly. Australian and NZ tend to keep tight controls; particularly regarding safety equipment carried on visiting Ocean crossing yachts.
Like many things human mistakes are made, when it’s Government driven. Ideas don’t move on as we would hope; it’s a bit of a muddle.
During the 80’s Martin Sadler led the way in UK building several unsinkable production yachts. Following the lead of several other European companies, such as the Belgian Etap. Many big single-handed ocean racing events (mostly French organised!) have realised, that if they don’t control safety. Governments will step in and then ban the whole show. Especially with the high costs involved with search and rescue. Australians have faced big expenditure on SAR’s in the Southern Ocean and made it clear it couldn’t continue. All the boats involved in these types of events nowadays are unsinkable.
We know life rafts aren’t infallible; and can be impossible to use if the boat is rapidly inverted. My first four ocean crossings were done without a life raft (three in a 22ft boat). I was young, lacking money and stupid. Luck was on my side, thank goodness…in times past, we all knew as mentally committed oceanic sailors; it was highly unlikely anyone was coming to rescue us. Given the technology available then. Perhaps it gave us a slightly different mental outlook, to today’s sailors.
If the American’s put ‘a man on the moon’ in the 20th century surely making production offshore sailing boats unsinkable seems common sense in the 21st…
Video: Missing yacht: Families thank public and search teams
You miss the bigger point. Not all boats are designed and built for trans-Atlantic crossings…or Bluewater period. Most production boats are coastal cruisers, lake sailors, charters, and clubhouse racers. Whatever happened to taking responsibility for ones own decisions and not look for blame elsewhere? I wouldn't cross an ocean in a Benateau…who cares if 100 others have done the same and gotten away with it. It`s a fool`s bet.
Many thanks for your comments Ron. Perhaps I have missed out that big point.
I'm not sure that everyone is aware that some types of production offshore cruising yachts, aren't suitable for long Bluewater passages. But whether you suffer hull damage in the middle of an ocean, 20 miles offshore or on a lake. It certainly helps if the boat has been built not to sink…
Best Regards,
John
When you go to the marina most of the boats you are looking at are 10 to 30 years old or older. Many of us can't afford a new boat but we still love to get out on the water in whatever old tub we can buy. Unsinkable boats for ocean racers is a great idea but my old O'day is perfect for what I want. I don't think your one concept fits all is the right way to go. If I want an unsinkable boat I'll get one, I don't need you to sell me something I don't want. I get out on the water to get away from the government rules and regulations, to find peace with nature, I don't need to trip over a boat half filled with styrofoam.
Dave
Thanks Dave,
I'm not trying to sell you any boat. 30 years ago some yachts in both Europe and in the States were made unsinkable. They weren't filled with styrofoam. And might keep you safer finding your 'peace with nature'. Especially when you hit something…
John
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