Volvo Ocean Race Yacht Aground on Reef

[Fishtigua]

Team Vestas Wind has hit a reef at speed in the night. Rudders have snapped off but the crew has managed to get ashore for rescue.

Some say that the reef was not clearly marked on the electronic plotter software.

http://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/video/31334_Insid...

http://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/news/8089_Team-Ve...

[s2t]

Glad Chris and the boys are safe and will be interesting to learn in the fullness of time how they hit the reef whilst others plotted around it

[markmullen]

Alvimedica did a good job standing by to assist, I hope their timings are adjusted so their race isn't compromised by their diligence.

[Searider]

Good satellite images of the reef on Google maps.

It is sometimes difficult to see some detail on electronic charts unless you zoom right in.
But, as the navigator, perhaps he should have?

If he did and knew of the presence of the reef its a brave? man who clips it close.
The survey data on an electronic chart isn't obviously obvious but on any paper chart the survey data is in a block on the sheet.
"Surveyed by lead line 1865" wouldnt be a surprise.

It's amazing how saving a couple of miles in a 25000 mile race often takes precedence over good seamanship.

To finish first, first you have to finish!

[AlexIT]

Miscalculated tide level or wrong time on board?
I can't believe they decided to get so close to a reef to save a few minutes over a leg to be honest.

[Burrow01]

Its not exactly a small reef!

http://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/news/8098_A-pictu...

[V41LEY]

Burrow01 said:

Its not exactly a small reef!

http://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/news/8098_A-pictu...

[robm3]

Will the boat be written off as a wreck now?

I'd presume it's salvageable though.

[Fishtigua]

It sounds like the arse-end has been ripped off. Not worth the salvage costs, I would imagine.

[Fishtigua]

Video of the accident.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INdGPE7_bUY

[hyperblue]

"Sorry about ya boat mate"

Must've been scary as hell hitting that at 19 knots. Looks like the crew were peering over the side looking at something before the crash, probably impossible to work out what it was in the dark though.

[Fishtigua]

robm3 said:

Will the boat be written off as a wreck now?

I'd presume it's salvageable though.

They've gone and done it!

They needed the deck to go on a new hull, so got the thing off the reef and onto a passing ship. Quite a story.

http://gcaptain.com/salvors-detail-recovery-team-v...

[ALawson]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

Just got the latest copy of Yachting World in the Post.

Just cancelled my subscription after 12 years, now where to put all those copies sat in the garage!