Kekoa lost - 4 rescued off Hatteras

[Hillster]

This is an ongoing discussion over at Cruisers & Sailing forums and they learned that the crew did not have proper cold weather gear and were near hyporthermic. Not sure though.

[brianontheroad]

I've been onboard Kekoa a few months back, met the builders/owners (same people) you can find out more about their boat/project at http://www.losttrades.com . Very cool people, worked very hard on this boat and seemed to be well constructed etc, it was their second such boat -- built the other one 5 years or so ago, chartered her extensively and then sold it for 500k. This looks like it falls on the delivery crew, why were they out in those conditions in the first place? That cat can cover a LOT of ground quickly and shouldn't have left in questionable weather, that being said Kekoa was built more for being a day trip kind of boat, certified to take 75+ passengers on day sails in the caribbean not exactly designed for blue water

I hope she's found and afloat.

[Joesaila]

If only the Titan's kicked that field goal? IF the Bills didn't fumble...oops Monday morning quarterbacking again. I'm certain most all of us would have 'given up the ship' in similar circumstances. Likely they were out there for the big pay day and/or adventure. Hopefully and very likely the boat is insured and we're all glad nobody lost their life. 'Go Coasties!'

[sailingdog]

True that...

Originally Posted by Boasun

Well if she comes ashore in one piece then your question will be answered.

[mountainvoyager]

Keoka is sitting high, and waiting for pick up. So many opinions with so little information to form such judgements. The builders/owners are amazing boat builders who build high quality products. Please learn more about the situation and the builders before you make judgements.
And yes, thank goodness the crew was safely and swiftly returned to shore.
God bless the Coast Guard and KEKOA the brave one!

[craigtoo]

Originally Posted by mountainvoyager

Keoka is sitting high, and waiting for pick up. So many opinions with so little information to form such judgements. The builders/owners are amazing boat builders who build high quality products. Please learn more about the situation and the builders before you make judgements.
And yes, thank goodness the crew was safely and swiftly returned to shore.
God bless the Coast Guard and KEKOA the brave one!

Oh.
So.
What Happened?

Please Share.

[camaraderie]

There is a report on another forum that she has been spotted afloat 130 miles offshore and that a "rescue" mission will be made on Wednesday.

As to making judgements...note that it was a COAST GUARD press release that said she was taking on water and coming apart.

[mountainvoyager]

Kekoa's where abouts is being monitored and recovery should come together weather permitting in the next few days. I know the builders personally and they are dedicated to their boat, like a member of the family. It is not thought that her damage is extensive from the photos taken and reports from the crew.

[imagine2frolic]

The boat couldn't have taken on too much water if she's floating high. Without being there, and knowing every exact piece of information. Sounds like some bad decisions being made.

As far as a Kekoa being wood. Wood can be a very strong material when built proper. I think this group was very capable of building a proper boat.

Hypothermia? Going to see in winter with no woolies, and foulies. Not good decision making before leaving the dock!

[gypsysailing]

Roger that Kylew - these two brothers are well known as the builders and subsequent operators of the beautiful catamaran Allura. They built her and ran a highly successful day charter trade here in the USVI's. They then sold the boat and have spent the past two years building Kekoa in Charleston yard. Who knows at this juncture what happened out there...reportedly 50 knots on the nose with 20-25 ft seas....shouldn't be the downfall of a well built boat but, like I say, who knows?
thankfully no loss to life or limb.
Sure hope they find her and can recoup.