Vendee Globe rescue in the Southern Ocean

[Ilenart]

The Navy helped another sailor on the way home

Navy boat helps second sailor : thewest.com.au

[sailingdog]

I'm curious as to how he broke his femur. The femur is one of the strongest bones in the human body. It takes a considerable amount of force to do so.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

I'm curious as to how he broke his femur. The femur is one of the strongest bones in the human body. It takes a considerable amount of force to do so.

Apparently he was at the bow (leaning over the pulpit), prepping to rig another foresail and a large wave washed him across the boat to the end of his tether. The pulpit height was probably just between knee and pelvis... not hard to imagine something bad happening there.

[sailaway21]

It's reasonable to question the advisability of sailing around the world alone, particularly in the waters of the southern oceans, but the height of callousness to debate the costs of rescuing one of the participants. If you've a navy, a merchant ship, or any other sea-going craft capable of helping, you're honor bound to give that help. If you're concerned about the cost you might consider abandoning the sea as she's not for you or your nation. The time for debate is pre-departure. It would not be unreasonable for the IMO to discuss the existence of abnormally risky ventures and consider having their organizers post a substantial bond or carry the requisite insurances for the perceived risk and potential expense of rescue.

[chucklesR]

They (somebody, don't know who) should make these guys post a bond to defray the cost of the inevitable rescues that occur.

[sailingdog]

Considering the monies involved in outfitting one of these boats, that is a completely reasonable suggestion.

Originally Posted by chucklesR

They (somebody, don't know who) should make these guys post a bond to defray the cost of the inevitable rescues that occur.

[flyingwelshman]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Considering the monies involved in outfitting one of these boats, that is a completely reasonable suggestion.

From what I've read about this and other races: the teams with the deepest pockets are at a distinct advantage.

If the race is about sailing prowess, not the ability to raise money, then I don't think that adding to the financial burden of the competitors will do anything to enhance the sport.

As somebody pointed out, the navies and other rescue services are out on drills and patrols anyway. I haven't heard anybody suggest that the rescuers would rather not perform these rescues.

As a taxpayer, I wouldn't have any hesitation in supporting my government's decision to foot the bill for any maritime rescue. It would certainly be an improvement over what they waste my money on at the moment.

And before anyone has a bash about the Canadian navy etc. - we have a proud (and recent) history, as a country, of stepping up and providing solace to those in need.

[billyruffn]

Originally Posted by chucklesR

They (somebody, don't know who) should make these guys post a bond to defray the cost of the inevitable rescues that occur.

I'm with you on this one, Chuckles. Single handed racing around the world is not.... well, it's not necessary. When we lived in Oz in the 90s there were a number of ROW single handed racers rescued by the Aussie navy (and good on 'em for doing it), but I do understand the postion of Oz taxpayers as well. It seems to happen too often. We're not talking here about rescuing merchant seamen, or even your average cruiser who happens to get in trouble. These guys are sailing into the Southern Ocean intentionally. They race for no other purpose than to see who get's around first and who collects the big prize money and lucrative sponsorships.

The organizers of these races should be required to post big bonds to reimburse nations who are called to the aid of their racers. Only fair, IMHO.

But then, who's going to 'require' them to do so? And are the Aussies or Kiwi navies not going to come to their aid if they don't?

[sailingdog]

Yes, but many of the rescues are in places that no one is going to be doing drills or patrols, due to how far they are from any point of land.

Originally Posted by flyingwelshman

From what I've read about this and other races: the teams with the deepest pockets are at a distinct advantage.

If the race is about sailing prowess, not the ability to raise money, then I don't think that adding to the financial burden of the competitors will do anything to enhance the sport.

As somebody pointed out, the navies and other rescue services are out on drills and patrols anyway. I haven't heard anybody suggest that the rescuers would rather not perform these rescues.

As a taxpayer, I wouldn't have any hesitation in supporting my government's decision to foot the bill for any maritime rescue. It would certainly be an improvement over what they waste my money on at the moment.

And before anyone has a bash about the Canadian navy etc. - we have a proud (and recent) history, as a country, of stepping up and providing solace to those in need.

[sailaway21]

Billy,
If you read my above post you'll see my reference to the IMO. If the IMO takes action and the race organizers are not within IMO compliance it is primae facie evidence of unseaworthiness and their marine insurance is invalidated. And, you know those boats are insured!