Quote:
Originally Posted by camaraderie
Bubb...you got that right. I've been looking at what CAUSED them to be out there in that weather as that is the real question. These were experienced sailors so one would assume that they had done their homework on weather given the time of year and the north atlantic.
Ocean Prediction Center - Product Loops
If you look at the individual maps on this last 14 day loop of offshore wind wave forecasts you will note that the forecast made on 12UTC the 26th looks rough for the 28th but nothing a good boat and crew can't handle...30-35kts on a reach with 10-15ft. seas. By the next forecast on 00utc on the 27th...the two day forcast called for 40-45knots from abeam and 15-20ft. seas...higher gusts and waves of course to be expected. By then it was too late to seek shelter and the expected conditions are what the coast guard reported.
In summary...the weather forcast deteriorated rapidly while they were out to sea and I can't see any lack of judgement based on the evidence at hand. The Atlantic can sneek up on you quickly at this time of year...and in this case, it appears that despite having a premium blue water boat...the boat did not stand up to the sea as welll as the crew. Of significance it that is was a bilge pump that let them down on a new to them boat. Lesson: Never go to sea without multiple bilge pump backups and a LARGE manual pump. |
I had heard that they consulted a weather router who told them to go but I'm not sure how reliable that is.