The NARC rally for cruisers ran into some extreme weather on their way to Bermuda. Unfortunately a life was lost, and three vessels abandoned. I have read where the organizer is blaming the weather guru they hired, and the weather guy is blaming the organizer. I had thought of going on one of these rally's at one time, thinking there is safety in numbers, and I guess that's true if you had a breakdown, or were taking on water etc., and were in relatively calm conditions. When the weather gets really bad, as it did, I imagine it's every man for himself. As much as you would want to help someone, you have to consider the safety of your own crew and vessel. Not sure how close the other boats were to helping the distressed vessels, but how could they possibly assist in those horrible conditions? There is coverage of the NARC here, and a Boat Bits has something to say about rally's.
I mentioned we went on a cruise to Bermuda, well, we were out there at the time these boats were in trouble, and I can tell you that the view from the port in our cabin was humbling. There was no way in hell I would want to be out there in that mess in anything under 200 feet long. The video from our cabin does not give you a true feel for the conditions. You really need to hear and feel the boat shudder, and this was one big ass ship. Imagine a 35-45 foot sailboat out there.
We were in 50+ knot winds, and 25 foot seas. I sat in the cabin, looking out at the sea wondering how I might react in conditions like this. Well, I better buy a really good autopilot, and some adult diapers.
With Sean running amok out there its hard to believe that anyone would try to blame the weather router. Its not like that weather was a suprise.
We've been in 45 knots of wind with 20 foot seas and the only thing we would have been able to do for a boat in distress is to tell the Coast Guard where to begin looking for the bodies.
You're on your own when the world goes to shit....its just difficult to remember that when the herd decides that its time to cast off......
Such a sad story! When it comes to Mother Nature, I guess it doesn't matter how many boats are around. However, I think I'd still feel safer with other boats nearby ... but I'm not going in bad weather if I can help it! If I'm caught in it, I'll need some diapers too! =)
Would love to see some pics from your trip to Bermuda!
With Sean running amok out there its hard to believe that anyone would try to blame the weather router. Its not like that weather was a suprise.
ReplyDeleteWe've been in 45 knots of wind with 20 foot seas and the only thing we would have been able to do for a boat in distress is to tell the Coast Guard where to begin looking for the bodies.
You're on your own when the world goes to shit....its just difficult to remember that when the herd decides that its time to cast off......
Such a sad story! When it comes to Mother Nature, I guess it doesn't matter how many boats are around. However, I think I'd still feel safer with other boats nearby ... but I'm not going in bad weather if I can help it! If I'm caught in it, I'll need some diapers too! =)
ReplyDeleteWould love to see some pics from your trip to Bermuda!