Sailing Couple Tragic Accident At Sea - Lady K Sailing Ep 306

[@annettecantu3826]

After careful consideration, I am pretty content at home with a blanket, my dog, and some coffee 😊

[@X862go]

💯

[@cryptout]

💯

[@lionsdejudah]

Lol

[@trsdarrin]

Death by 1000 cuts this is a kin to dying trying to climb Mount Everest

[@haggaisimon7748]

Same here 😅

[@o-r-i-o-n]

Amazing retelling, was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Very sad to hear about the owners' passing.

[@JudithRandall-vz1zk]

Yes, especially on a subject I know nothing about and have little interest in - sailing. But somehow, he made the details of the disaster and what they did with the yacht, intriguing. Good job, sir.

[@annatanneberger1]

Yes, excellent retelling, without resorting to the silly "what happened next will surprise you..." in an attempt to hold the audience's attention.

[@fredflintstone8817]

Re: Adventurist types… Time and time again I see these people (Rock Climbing, Cross Ocean Sailing,/Ballooning, Cave Diving, Etc.) having to be rescued. Costing the rest of us millions to rescue them, usually from themselves. Time to start making these person’s liable for their actions.

[@annatanneberger1]

@@fredflintstone8817 I don't have the money for any of these adventures. But I can't agree with you. Unless we include everybody that through their poor decisions become a burden on society: 1) drugs - overdosing and disease burdens the ER - and they can't work and end up stealing. Yet everybody says we must pity these people for their addiction - as if it is something that just happens unexpectedly to random people while doing their shopping or schoolwork. 2) promiscuity - burdens society with fatherless children 3) alcohol: knife-fights, domestic abuse and motorcar accidents 4) poor diet. I'm astonished that Americans say poverty forces people to eat fast foods. Most of my life I couldn't afford ready-made food and fizzy drinks. Never had the leisure to cook. So I drank water or tea when I'm thirsty and ate fruit and vegetables that don't need preparation. I have a friend who is a member of voluntary mountain rescue. They're happy to combine their love of being in the mountains with doing something good - like rescuing people.

[@annatanneberger1]

@@thumbs3263 I think you meant objective, rather than objectionable?

[@larrygraham1580]

I just finished a passage intended to go from Beaufort N.C to the USVI on a rather small Niagara 35 with just the Captain and myself. We are both over 65 yrs old. Your account of the sad loss of these owners highlights the need for a solid boom gybe preventer. We did have the boom prevented but had a Hydrovane ripped partially off where it was smashing the cockpit badly. We ran into Beaufort 9, 43 kts for an extended period overnight and faced huge breaking swells a day or two later. We were about 700 nm out with Bermuda as the nearest point. Apparently, not too far from us a Catamaran Mayday call was being answered with a cruise ship. We heard from a nearby freighter that they were in 55 knots of wind. With a lot of luck we both survived but the boat sustained some damage and I broke three ribs. We diverted for Bahamas where I flew back for recovery and as of today the Captain is still making repairs in Nassau. I agree, unless you have witnessed these conditions first-hand you cannot appreciate the situation and how quickly things can go from bad to much worse.

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad you both made it through that ordeal!

[@mountainmandale1587]

Life at sea is always unpredictable and potentially dangerous. God speed.

[@MikeKisil]

When mother nature is scorned she shows little mercy except for the very few who respect it for what it is .

[@bobcarocari8207]

You are a great storyteller, and that was a great illustration of how things can go bad.

[@RichardSMaloney]

The sea is a unforgiving mistress

[@Fenris1Dark]

Something I've never forgotten from my first ASA instructor. "If you think you should be reefing soon, you should be reefing now."

[@joestonebraker5890]

I agree and do that

[@RedceLL1978]

Me over here googling what reefing means

[@lionsdejudah]

@@RedceLL1978 lol

[@lionsdejudah]

Not to mention that killer whales can reef you too. Someone should make a device that emits a sound constantly to deter them or other large sea life.

[@nettewilson5926]

Dang 😮

[@joshyaks]

I recently made a 40 foot traverse from my recliner to the fridge, and I tell ya, the blast of cool air when you open that fridge door can unbalance you if you're not prepared.

[@PeroniPete]

Yes.............haha...not

[@iheartwheelies]

😂🤟

[@coastcafeequipment]

😅😅😅😂😂

[@davidfellows6250]

Geee watch out chugging that beer, you could get ice cream headache that can kill you. Go slow, eat a chip or two inbetween glups and live another day.

[@ats-3693]

😅

[@hendriksailing]

What a sad story. I actually got to know the couple just two days before they left Bermuda. We met them there and they invited us for a drink on their boat. Super nice people. I heard about the accident right after I arrived on the azores. It made me feel very respectful for nature again and also very grateful to just having finished an oceancrossing without any trouble.

[@DMPSITIDS]

Me too I also met them two days before they left Bermuda.

[@joseortiz-dd6sm]

Same here.

[@fredflintstone8817]

Re: Adventurist types… Time and time again I see these people (Rock Climbing, Cross Ocean Sailing/Ballooning, Cave Diving, Etc.) having to be rescued. Costing the rest of us millions to rescue them, usually from themselves. Time to start making these person’s liable for their actions.

[@kevinfisher1345]

@@fredflintstone8817 Sailing is nowhere near to being on the same scale as rock climbing or cave diving. This would be like trying to compare a casual driver making short trips visiting around vs someone that drives across an entire country and/or continent such as driving across the USA. One would never consider that an adventurist, nor would I consider anyone crossing an ocean as an adventurist. Worse one could find themselves in these same conditions regardless whether they are crossing an ocean or not. This can happen simply sailing down a coast, or even in large enough lakes. Are you going to call of them adventurist sailing as well? And people are held liable for their actions. No clue what you are talking about anyway. If it had been reversed and it was the volunteer visitors whom had died, the owners would have been held liable. Or like that famous recent boat incident, where the owner and several crew died just off the coast (and at anchor so I guess simply sitting at anchor is also aventurist boating now as well) that the ship sunk. The owner is being held liable for any wrong doing they may or may not have done. As i said before these conditions can happen anywhere, with a squall coming out of nowhere. That does not make an adventurist, simply makes it dealing with mother nature, which happens all the time all over the world.

[@monsteraetc]

@@fredflintstone8817I’d rather pay for these people’s adventure rescues than other people’s bland retirements after contributing nothing to the larger world. These people are LIVING life, not just “existing”.

[@carlossantillan4647]

After I was diagnosed with my 2 terminal duseases, I decided to look into sailing. My intention was to sail around the world to visit family in Australia, NZ and other parts of Asia. I managed to take an introductory sailing lesson in Annapolis, MD and realized my medical condition would prevent me from doing so. After watching this tragedy I am glad thst I chosen to return to riding motorcycles across this vast country instead. May they RIP.

[@johnki325]

@@carlossantillan4647 Motorbikes carry a risk too. The people that I know that have motorbikes all seem to have had a mishap, although survived. Risks don't seem to matter much. Its about conquering. Imagine the story they could tell their friends and family if they survived that storm.

[@Derpy1969]

You would have been better off enjoying life on the sea. Don’t let your medical condition determine your fate.

[@Addwater4444]

I've been slowed down by MS too, but I still travelled all over Europe, Canada, Marocco, and renovated 8 houses and still renovating my last one, although a lot slower. It's just what I like to do. And a grandkid has also brought a different adventure, although I tire easily, she loves me just as I am, lol. So, I feel you, best of luck, take care xxx

[@jimshoe402]

I had a 100 hrs of USCG courses and 4 different courses On Lake Michigan..Will went to Tampa for 5 day BareBoat Iis..NO THANK YOU I got out in the Gulf Looked Around Nothing out There..💀💀💀💀

[@kit2130]

@@Derpy1969I disagree. Cycling helps you see the earth & you can stop all the time to be touristy. Sailing is just over water & you can only stop here & there. It’s also more isolating & can be boring waiting to get to a destination. You see a ton more on a cycle. Plus you can hop on boat excursions everywhere & get the best of both worlds.

[@billthurlow690]

My wife and I made that same trip in 1977 with one crew, St. Croix to Bermuda and on to Portland Maine. 32' ketch, same thing happened to us after we left Bermuda, two bad lows one after the other, ran before them for awhile before just heaving too and waiting for the weather to pass. We made it to Portland ok after that. That trip kind of ended my wife's love of sailing.

[@AwesomeAngryBiker]

stop bragging about yourself, the video is not about you

[@SatSun-op9dp]

@@AwesomeAngryBikerhe added a personal perspective that was informative & interesting.

[@diannabrooks]

Im glad you had a successful adventure, thats cool. Sorry your wife lost her sailing bug. I lived aboard for 10 years and had a lot more men friends. Ladies, for some odd reason, like dirt under their feet more than men. Was able to get gal friends when taking culinary night classes, that also was fun and yummy.

[@chloe8907]

​@@AwesomeAngryBikerrude simply rude

[@maxineb9598]

​@@chloe8907 Totally agree. Whats wrong with people telling of their experiences, same as if they would if this was a conversation in person.

[@brent6518]

The power of nature should never be taken for granted..some years ago on Lake Ontario we were getting ready for the club weeknight sail race to start. Under windless conditions, we all felt this very warm downdraft. Thankfully another crew member, who was a pilot, told the captain we should return to dock. We did, and as we reached the slip, the wind went from literally zero to 115 km/h . We all hung on in the cockpit watching club gazebbos, zodiacs and anything unthethered go airborne!..it was all over in 10 minutes but i remember this incident every time i go out on my boat!.. intense weather cells can, and do exhibit their fury quickly.

[@rolandstockham1905]

To me, this may suggest a growing issue. The size of boats has increased a lot in the last 10 or so years and couples sailing 50ft boats or more now seem to be getting more common. By using power winches and furling gear it is possible to control a boat that size under normal conditions. Not many years ago a boat of that size and power would have a crew 8 or more so if there was a problem there was plenty of manpower to deal with it. They would likely be at least regular crew and possibly paid hands so would be familiar with the boat and its systems. The problem with all this technology replacing those other crew members is that if something fails you don't have the human resources to deal with it, and you become dependent on the systems. You can try to make the boat 'unbreakable' but out on the ocean the sea can break anything. Even something simple like a ripped headsil on a 60fter takes at least 4 people, it takes three just to carry the sail forward!

[@wdangelo3]

This comment is spot. Big boats are more safely run with a full crew. Life long racer and boat owner here….should have heave to, reduce sail way before it got out of control.

[@johnshaw8327]

As an ex delivery skipper I can confirm this. The forces on a boat over 40ft in big winds is truly frightening especially with limited crew. You have to be hyper aware. Communications are no longer by mouth. Sign language is the only option as things get out of hand very rapidly. Night makes it even worse. Thankfully I'm still alive, got lucky. This was a very well presented narration.

[@louisavondart9178]

While I can agree with you from an overall safety angle, I would like to point out that in this case the conditions were entirely normal. 30 knot winds is not a storm. Neither is 40 knots. When you hit 50 knots it's getting hairy and the bigger the boat the better. Yes, things break in bad weather. No, they don't break if you reef or furl on time. The need to reduce load before the wind decides your fate for you, is too often overlooked. This was one of those times.

[@louisavondart9178]

@@wdangelo3 .. which a solo sailer could have done from the cockpit when the wind started to freshen or before night fell.

[@internetposta7389]

@@wdangelo3 That's what I thought, but then if I had a $2M boat, I'd hire a professional for the ocean crossing if I insisted on taking a less safe route.

[@jonjonsson4270]

An amazing boat. Good sailors, good crew. We forget that before coast guards existed, experienced sailors and crew were lost regularly. What a tragic story.

[@lux_moto]

You say good sailors, good crew, and that is maybe because you want to be kind. But I think good sailors and a good crew wouldn't have end up in this situation. 'To little to late' is more what comes to mind. As far as I can tell from this story, it didn't had to end this way.

[@chasejones8302]

Like Elsa's parents.

[@zedwpd]

@@lux_moto Making mistakes doesn't mean they weren't good sailors.

[@lux_moto]

@@zedwpd We might have different opinions about what 'good' means. If you make a series of mistakes that eventually cost you and others your lives, I wouldn't say you were good at your job.

[@captainjimolchs]

@@zedwpd Good sailors don't make such basic mistakes.

[@a1leadership]

Heavy Weather Sailing is a great book with real life examples of when things go wrong, every sailor should read it!

[@f.j.h.4194]

Beyond the tragic deaths of Voker and Annemarie is, IMO . . . some damn sharp seamanship and heroism in the 2 crewmember. Visualizing the dynamics including two lives in the balance., I could not be certain that I would be that clear thinking.

[@susannasPOV]

I saw another debrief on this case, and it saud these two guys they hired were amazing salors and went above and beyond to save the lives of the two owners of the boat !!

[@davidmckee2460]

If they were amazing sailors why did they leave the boat on a dead run so the main could keep gybing back and forth. The mainsail could have been taken in early by simply heading up wind, then they could have steered west toward help rather than flying along at over 10 kts away from help.

[@tscott6843]

Not a sea person and still found your video very compelling. Thank you.

[@LadyKSailing]

I’m glad you found it interesting, thanks for watching!

[@tscott6843]

@@LadyKSailing You are able to talk in technical terms that can be basically understood by someone who knows very little about staining. At least by me. That’s is a gift.

[@sojerz6092]

Same here. I watch Below Deck Sailing Yacht so I’m familiar with some of the lingo. I got interested in that show after the Bayesian tragedy and still am anxious to learn exactly what happened there.

[@tscott6843]

@@sojerz6092 like to know more about that one too.

[@OswaldJames-x2t]

💯👍🎯🙏😎

[@adrianskipper-i8o]

As an experienced dingy sailor as soon as there is a big blow and in trouble you either point the boat into the wind or reduce sail to a jib only and lower appropriately. In this case running the mainsail was a big mistake and could have been prevented by lowering it and checking incoming weather conditions. These things are often predictable. Sadly these basic precautions were not followed.

[@2blackcatz426]

Agreed reef that main early better than being unable to later.

[@NARDO422]

Heave-to is always the bail out move

[@1.5Deg_Is_NonNegotiable]

I agree. I was thinking the same thing, a boat that size would most certainly have weather radar, they should have prepared ahead of time and set the rig appropriately.

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

that far out, especially in the higher latitudes, weather is not always so predictable, things can get very bad pretty fast. whilst, as our Costal-Passages trainer used to say "if you are asking yourself, should I reef the sail, that's a good indication you should reef the sail..." you do need to keep a certain speed when sailing, and, though they probably were leaving a little too much sail out, I would be very forgiving here, the decision is always a delicate balance and is extremely easy to get wrong...

[@AgneDei]

With those kind of waves, if you're not on a massive high powered warship, you're not going into the wind safely. That said, it should've been possible to zigzag along with the wave, taking waves with the wind, and then going sideways leaving the mainsail fully out on the side to completely depower for a moment and then to lower the mainsail bit by bit. Normally that's very difficult, but with the main rolling into the boom, and electric winches it should be fairly easy and safe, and with waves that big they must've been spread out a fair bit giving time to do this maneuver multiple times until the main is down. And yes, it's better to have a bit of jib still out when going with or almost with the wind, even when running the engine, as that should stabilize the boat a fair bit while going over those big ass waves. Also adding a few knots of speed with the storm jib while going with the wind also makes even the big waves a bit softer.

Growing up on the Mississippi River taught me as a young boy the intensity and unpredictability of nature, Crewing a 36' racer on Lake Michigan was another eye-opener as I learned about rigging. My restored '71 Ski Nautique on the Illinois River is quite safe during bad weather because it is parked at home where new steel roofs keep all bad weather at bay. Mother nature can be bleak, dangerous, and deadly, making home the only place for me, thank you.

[@paulhiley1409]

My wife and I have crossed the Atlantic twice and completed many ocean passages in our 35ft long keel 40 year old yacht. I would never go to sea in one of these “hi tech” yachts, probably with unsupported rudder - the more hi-tech the more there is to go wrong. We have been through a number of gales including a force 10 in Biscay, but a well found boat and low tech equipment meant we never had a problem.

[@AwesomeAngryBiker]

stop bragging about yourself, the video is not about you

[@RepellentJeff]

@@AwesomeAngryBiker Are you going to post the _exact same thing_ on every comment sharing their own experiences? Like, do you have anything to actually say, or are you just trying to stir things up?

[@sidczinkota5580]

A "well found" skipper makes one hell of a difference.

[@pigslefats]

@@RepellentJeff Indeed.

[@phillymathguy8142]

You must be one of those famous sailors we've all heard about. A legend in their own mind.

[@occamsrazorblades]

I think perhaps the lesson here is that while technology and impressive automated systems can give confidence, we must never let it lull us into forgetting caution.

[@edwardgiugliano4925]

I would have legged it from Bermuda to Cape May, NJ or Nantucket before continuing to Nova Scotia. Have some fun on shore and stretch my legs.

[@diannabrooks]

I think thats one reason I like smaller boats to sail. KISS works out much better and you learn more. Its good to be able to sail w/o all the high tech instruments. Things can take a shit quick if they fail, good to have the basics under your belt.

[@HermanIdzerda]

It really comes down to sticking to the basics of sailing. When learning to sail on a small boat you learn to keep your head down and being very cautious when sailing before the wind. And when the wind is hard it is much better to sail at 3/4 instead of full in front of the wind. And when you want to manage your sails, even on a small 12 foot sailing boat you lower the jib then reel in the boom to turn into the wind before trying to get the main sail down. Your sails are the main way to control a sailing boat, rudder and motor come second. It is sad the couple had to pay for the lesson with their lives.

[@davidncw4613]

RIP fellow sailors. What a story. Unfortunately very tragic.

[@jennifera4350]

i would have tried way earlier to head up wind and get the sail reefed down to a very small amount to help control and stabilize the vessel. While keeping lines coiled securely. I have sailed large stretches single handedly on a 36' from Bahamas to Maine. Used to feel a bit silly at how early I would reef. But, In spite of nearly continuous severe equipment and weather challenges, I was fortunate in making the trip safely. Knowing there was no room for error heightened both my awareness and actions. Heading as far as they did off shore multiplied the risk of wind, waves and danger and essentially eliminated the possibility of ever receiving help in time in an emergency. The crew did an amazing job in taking care of the two owners with very serious injuries and a challenging situation of the boat at the same time. So sad they passed away.

[@saranapa1]

Oh that’s helpful

[@kezzatries]

Couldn't agree more. Reef early, never sail directly down wind, always be slightly off wind especially at night. But hey that's me.

[@jaywhoisit4863]

He said the main was still under full power and the winch could not furl it; I just dont understand that. Just bring the sail into irons for a few seconds. Isnt that stock standard normal anyways when you drop the main?

[@jennifera4350]

@@jaywhoisit4863 Yes that is normal. But remember they had the owners severely injured. And someone had to deal with that. So likely it was more like sailing solo. With a big boat, it's more than a few seconds, and then there were large waves.. and the crew member would have to disengage steering and preventers etc and who knows if the winch was jammed etc. Also I'd expect they were most used to the owners giving them orders than acting on their own.

[@csenuber]

The slower you go, the farther you'd progress (c)

[@BrahTonne]

I tried sailing 1 time. I realized I was waaaay outta my league. I was raised on the water commercial fishing etc. I did grow an admiration for sailors but gave up my dream of sailing the world. My friends know I am fearless and it blew their minds when I said no more. I tip my hat to you sailors.

[@richtensail]

yeah it can get stressful on a yacht whn tings go wrong like weather etc

[@TheMrplunk]

One thing that never really comes through the telling of these stories is just how exhausting it gets (even just clearing a jammed in mast furler at the dock!!!). Everything is moving, probably quite violently, and just holding onto the boat take effort. It's cold, your wet. Fighting with a furler, trying to force sails, you get tired fast. Cruising sails on a 60 foot boat are probably several hundred pounds each. Furlers are never overbuilt enough to roll up a sail that's powered up. Adrenaline only keeps you going so long...

[@rwizard]

You've pretty well summed it up. I'm a power boater, but the experience when things start coming unglued is the same, only the details vary.

[@johnbspringer]

Another take-away is - In high-wind situation, turn the bow into the wind before attempting reduce a loaded main sail. Another principle that I always follow, which is not necessarily applicable to this story is that unless you are racing, never jibe! Instead turn the boat into the wind and continue through the turn until the desired course is reached. This is a longer turn angle than traditional method, however; it prevents a jibe

[@DavidPritt-xh7qq]

What a sad tale. I have recently completed a 1000 mile journey in a Lagoon 42 from The Canaries, via Madeira to near Almeria in Spain. On the leg from Porto Santos we had winds gusting over 40 Knts and 3m + waves on the second day out, followed by rain and thunder and lightening on the third day, although the winds eased for a while, but the boat was solid, and we were all experienced. I was on watch for quite a bit of this storm, but we had reduced sail early, and had the engines running to give us more steerage if required to keep us approximately on course, we were aiming to stay about pointing 45 degrees off the wind. I had to admit enjoying the ride surfing at 14 knts down the swell, although the slam when we got to the bottom rattled our teeth.. Still not bad for a 71 year old fogie.

[@gkrebs6636]

...and that is why I would never want a Cat! I actually enjoy having my teeth lol monohull all the way!!

[@AwesomeAngryBiker]

stop bragging about yourself, the video is not about you

[@kit2130]

@@AwesomeAngryBikerwhat’s wrong with you? Yt is for sharing experiences & that was a great one!!!

[@Mike7O7O]

@@kit2130 Just a mentally dysfunctional troll, with too little self awareness to understand his various mental health conditions.

[@pigslefats]

@@AwesomeAngryBiker Troll.

[@TinTin-v6q]

I looked once upon a time at doing something similar but found that the danger outweighed the possibility. That said I am in hospital from my second on land accident in 4 years. I got hit by a drunk driver in a foreign country. Before that had a bad fall onto rocks hiking and was just making progress after a 2 year rehab when the drunk got me. Now I face further disability and 2 years of whatever. Life has a real element of luck and risk. I have had 2 broken legs and knees, spine, foot , fingers, toes , and arm. Also picked up a lot of scars. Pretty ugly now. Face has mostly healed and that my eye and socket escaped with cuts all around was amazing. Chest and stomach lacerations/ burns are interesting.

[@daker1941]

Heal well and good luck!

[@robglodowski3574]

My first thought would of to depower the sail by motor sailing directly into the wind .I am a solo sailer on the great lakes and this maneuver saved me a couple of times

[@LadyKSailing]

That is a smart move to depower the sails!

[@rustyheyman214]

My thought too as I was listening. Probably from spending too much time on the pointy end wrestling sails that are loaded up.

[@Tb0n3]

@@robglodowski3574 I said the same thing. They probably got complacent and used to being able to pull the sail down under power with the boom furl winch.

[@stevemcnair-wilson6106]

Works on the North Sea too, but I have only ever sailsed deep keeled wooden boats

[@christopherhughes8402]

That’s really cool!

[@Taytates-lr6kg]

Tragic story even though they got rescued they still passed away. I salute and sincerely thank Coast guard RNLI and all other rescue services truly appreciate these people..

[@ckeilah]

Weather and Sea State forecasting is often no better than a dice throw and a wild guess. We had two days of “predicted” max 10kt winds with 2 to 3 foot seas (with all seven “weather models“ agreeing!). Perfect conditions for a 150 mile Gulf Crossing. We got 15 miles offshore, and OF COURSE just as the sun was setting 20+ KT winds began whistling through the rigging, and 10+ foot waves tossed us about. It was at this point that I learned that my crew was not as prepared as I had thought, so I made the executive decision to turn back. We are now delayed by two years, but everyone is alive, and the boat is still floating. 😁

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad you are safe- good decision!

[@will5989]

Best choice ever skipper!!

[@BajaGirl302]

Very good choice! I have been sailing throughout BVI, and this story really tells me if I want to go sail anywhere, I would get as much training as possible before being crew on any sail boat!

[@redreuben5260]

Man’s gotta know his limitations.

[@petermartin9494]

20kt is a gentle breeze...

[@tomballesteros4673]

Great story. We all must respect the power of the sea. There’s always a possibility of the perfect storm.

[@charlesmoss8119]

I had an acquaintance of similar age to this couple - they got a 473 (Beneteau?) and despite this gent being very experienced (he had once commanded a destroyer) they struggled as even this was a very powerful boat. I got some great sailing as a result but he admitted he wished he had been less ambitious and got something more manageable.

[@jaywhoisit4863]

Thats the way it always is; buy the biggest flashiest toy you can afford! Reality is you need a berth, galley, and head! Perfectly easy and comfortable in a 35 footer without all the bling!

[@outbackstudio]

I know nothing about sailing, but this tragic story was so well told, I was glued to it until the end.

[@johnpickens448]

Man, they call it a boom for good reason! My sailing experience was with a 13 foot trailerable Bluejay, and had several moderate wind unexpected jibes which caused minor injuries and broken fittings. I can only imagine the exponential power you'd have to fight with a ship this size!

[@johncartelli]

i raced a blue jay in a local race. It was a breezy day and a fitting let go on my main sheet.. i literally was holding the boom while trying to steer plus fix the line....yup fun times

[@jaywhoisit4863]

When a boat gibes its not immediate. The entire vessel shifts under you first and any experienced sailor would feel this and have a couple seconds to "hit the deck"! Imagine a 65 sloop sail area coming at you under a full power gibe! Holy crap that would be violent! Even in a bluejay that would take your head off!

[@captainjimolchs]

@@jaywhoisit4863 And steer out of it!

[@captainjimolchs]

Unintentional jibe in 13 feet? You'll never do that again in any size boat.

[@tgchism]

Very sad story that brings home the fact that no matter how prepared you are, mother nature, especially at sea, can be deadly!

[@OhanaNZ]

Reef early. Then reef again. Always shorten sail BEFORE you need to. Super easy. Unless you are racing with a full crew, then just SEND IT

[@12345fowler]

I understood like they tried to reef the main while still downwind. How is that supposed to work ? Wether by hand or by electric winches, if you reef only once the squall is in full swing you will have no chance to succeed. YOur only option is depowering the main by pointing upwind and hope the flapping will not destroy the whole rig.

[@RonaldHawes-sr3cr]

The reefing on that boat was push button. They did reef it. They couldn’t handle it in that wind and sea. They should have gone into the wind and furled them in and then meet the sea till the storm passed. I would have been on the SSB and talking to herb about the weather the whole time. Planning it out in real time instead of just going for it without the real time info. The forecast is a planning tool. Instant data is a survival tool. It’s the ones in charge who were at fault. The ones who made the decisions. The crew are lucky they lived.

[@DonanKlooz]

@@12345fowlercouldn’t they have cut away the sail? Better than getting decapitated by the boom.

[@PetrHosek]

​@@DonanKloozUnfortunately, that's impossible. The mainsail is attached to the mast on the whole front edge. There's no way to just cut it loose. It has to be slid down in a rail in the mast (like a curtain), but that's impossible when it is under sideways load.

[@youaregodspursuit-47]

Only "boat" I have owned is a 16' canoe. Even with that limited experience, heading into the wind is always easiest solution in a storm. Even on land, trying to fight the wind is a bad choice.

[@maxneri]

I have been a sailor and boat owner for years. This is one of the best videos I have ever seen, thank you.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@ozskipper]

Turn a boat to the wind to lower the main. Even with the preventer attached you can "parralel the boom" to the wind to remove the load .

[@drewgibbons5464]

Dude! You ripped that sad yet inspiring tale up; felt like I was there. Lady K you made my day.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@cameronyeager8129]

Coast guard being heroes as usual

[@barendgarvelink]

Yeah, USCG never ceases to impress.

[@lbailey45]

Canadian Coast Guard! ​@@barendgarvelink

[@barendgarvelink]

@ d’oh! Well I suppose they occasionally impress too 😬

[@timuruddin7088]

Hard work saving idiots

[@daker1941]

Coasties had a good plan and executed it, Bravo!

[@SailingZatara]

What a horrible situation, tragic ending.

[@donhearn2248]

I hopped from a Hobie to a 27 foot race boat with a fractional, to a 40 foot mast head.....the only other boat I sailed on at that time was a 26.5 hunter. I really liked the Hunter (I know...yeah...I know). While I got tons of time on the water, I would not call my self knowledgeable of sail boats in general. The 40 footer was eye opening. With countless summer days on the water..I was absolutely NOT ready for sails on a 40 footer. The power and weight of the sails is so much more. I think I got that boat late 20s early 30. I was super fit and in my prime....and it was a challenge compared to the smaller sail plans. I always remind myself, to be mindful of giving advice...just because I struggled does not mean other will struggle...but even with that .....when random dock people, liveabords, racers...whatever... tell me their plans for 45 this 50 that....even 60 plus....I always think...man...what is the plan? I get the benefit of living on a 50 or larger...but dang....sailing it? Alone? I could not do it, and I know that does not mean you can't, or some other sailer could not...but...really...have a plan. Even as couples it does not mean you will always have two people...when you need 2 people.

[@LadyKSailing]

You bring up some really important points about planning, especially when it comes to solo sailing.

[@TheMrplunk]

“Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from bad decisions.” Bad decisions are easier to live though on a smaller boat.

[@AwesomeAngryBiker]

stop bragging about yourself, the video is not about you

[@diannabrooks]

Ya and its especially nice when the 2 ppl really enjoy each others company. 😊

[@BHJ7115]

Every boat must return to port. It all sounds romantic until Mother Nature decides to show you who's boss.

[@MikeStoj-wl8ct]

Great job telling this sad story.

[@LaughterOnWater]

I came here to say the same.

[@PaulBKal]

I listened to Andy Schell’s “On the Wind” podcast interview with Lin Pardey and David Haigh today and Lin’s (& Larry’s) exhortation to “go small, go simple, go now” has never made more sense. David, a very experienced sailor, expressed very sensible grave reservations about modern yacht designs and the complex electric or hydraulic modern systems built into them. Why do two people need a 65 foot yacht? Why do most of us even need a 40 foot yacht? It really is time to step back and look at what we are doing and seriously re-evaluate.

[@fishhuntadventure]

I think the 36’+ desirability these days is a lot due to people wanting the fridges and spaciousness for standing showers and separate ’rooms’ versus fairly open cabins and berths. I don’t sail (yet) but I did purchase an early ‘glass Jet 14 to acquire competence. But I’ve known sailors in my 59 years. When I was young people made what seemed like ambitious passages in 25-35’ boats, whereas today it seems middle-aged and younger sailors strive for efficiency-sized floating condos with watermakers, substantial diesels, and air conditioning. And that obligatory large salon and stateroom. That’s why. With the low prices of solar and light weight of batteries these days it would seem that people could compromise their giant space desires and still feel secure with electrical appliances in a smaller, durable, very seas-resistant boat. But they don’t. I don’t have the checkbook myself but if folks do have the deep pockets I don’t blame them for wanting a 50- or 67-foot yacht since all things relative: $2mil really isn’t that much money these days.

[@js2702]

Thanks for the recommendation. Can’t wait to have a listen.

[@PaulBKal]

@@fishhuntadventure $2mil is a LOT of money still, for all but the very rich. There are very roomy 40 footers with all the fridges and spacious standing showers and separate cabins you like, that can be safely sailed by two people in any conditions, without needing a 65 footer or to spend more than $200,000. Plenty of them. Shiploads.

[@joesmith1142]

@@fishhuntadventure I would tend to agree but i dont think this is actually true. I agree people have deeper pockets than ever, and there are many sailors that want to take their dream vacation homes with them across oceans, and do, but i disagree because this is not something that we hear happening ALL the time. Lots of people seem to have tragic ends or disasterous experiences on smaller boats as well. I tend to think its maybe more of an overconfidence issue. Overconfidence in their abilities, and overconfidence in their boats and all the gadgets that make it seem so easy when everything is going well.

[@captainjimolchs]

@@fishhuntadventure You overlook scuba gear, compressors, dishwashers, laundromat, dryer, surf/sailboards, kites, cook-tops, microwaves, entertainment centers, desalinators, bow thrusters, air-conditioners to deal with the waste heat and to ventilate private cabins. Life at sea is tough!.

[@JheregJAB]

Honestly, in-boom furling may allow for battens and therefore better sail shape and performance, but it has many other disadvantages that I think get downplayed too often. Many of them have to be almost perfectly horizontal to furl correctly, which can make them finicky to furl in weather. The design of the boom and hardware added also means that the boom itself needs to be very heavy, and that increased size makes it much more difficult to control. Finally, since the furler is relied-upon to reef, the sail doesn't get reefing points. On a traditional sail with reefing points you can pull the sail down to the reef at least. I think I'll stick to my slab-reefed main, stack pack, and lazy jacks.

[@DavidPritt-xh7qq]

I have to agree, the slab reefing and lazy jacks on my Lagoon 42 give me confidence that I can drop the sail into the bag very quickly if needed.

[@bigbubba4314]

Extremely insightful comment. Especially if you can reef from the cockpit.

[@sirgregoir]

Lazy jacks are the go...totally agree.. 👍

[@jeanettenorman7052]

Good point

[@alanwhiplington5504]

Why not have two masts and make the whole thing more manageable? The reason people don't have two masts is because they want to be faster, true, but mostly because they want to look good in harbour.

[@DIYDaveT]

A very sad story, but well told. Thanks. It does remind us how dangerous not just sailing, but all boating, can be.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterwootton1978]

I have an innate caution over preventers - they are obviously very useful in stable points of sail, but I'm always reminded of my dad talking about the applied forces of a large metal boom in a gybe. Having cruised a lot at night, I also prefer to remove the main from the equation if sailing downwind or very broad reaches - then again we live aboard a catamaran that is often very happy just under jib when going downwind. Good sobering lessons here...

[@gordonbennet1094]

Absolutely agree. See my comment above. Never run with the mainsail up - only a headsail - especially at night. Why sailors can't understand this oh-so-simple jibe-proof system is beyond me.

[@jaywhoisit4863]

Also why wasnt there a boom brake on such a powerful sail?

[@gordonbennet1094]

@@jaywhoisit4863 That's just not the point. Let me say this again ... NEVER RUN WITH THE MAINSAIL UP - only run with a headsail - especially at night. Why sailors can't understand this oh-so-simple absolutely jibe-proof system is beyond me.

[@jaywhoisit4863]

@@gordonbennet1094 I had an Endurance 35 and the full keel over relatively short water length made it difficult to reach with only the Jib. I would triple reef the main and the downforce would keep the boat balanced better. But ya, a triple on a 35 footer is almost like no sail at all. I hear you!

[@gordonbennet1094]

@@jaywhoisit4863 Not talking about reaching. I'm talking about running. No reason whatsoever for running with the mainsail up - running with main out & preventer is white knuckle ride all the time w/ very little increase in speed over a large foresail only. Why wd anyone do it ????

[@mrackelito1]

Please more of these kinds of stories! You are an insanely good story teller and you can probably be THE sailboat story teller on youtube, keep it up!

[@LadyKSailing]

THANK YOUUUUUUU

[@WilliamAArnett]

Agreed, these stories are extremely useful. BUT get the details right.

[@genglandoh]

I am 68 retired been sailing since I was 15. I solo sail on Lake Erie in my Watkins 27. A few years ago I slipped and cracked a rib sailing at night. Yes it hurt but I could still control my sailboat. Started to wonder about what would happen if I get hit in the head with the boom. So I lined my sailing cap with foam making a homemade bump cap to help protect my head. After watching this story I will be asking Santa for a real bump cap. I may even upgrade to a Kayak helmet. After all I am 68 and I do not care how stupid I look. PS After cracking a rib I started wearing a vest style PFD all the time to help protect myself from a fall.

[@LadyKSailing]

Wow! Glad you are ok

[@thecatofnineswords]

There's good reason the offshore race-sailors all wear helmets these days; Head injuries are easily debilitating. Better to look a fool, than to be dead smart.

[@ArturZagaj-Izraelita]

Co myślisz o żaglu chińskim?

[@jennifera4350]

Reef early. Don't depend on a foam lined cap or even a helmet to protect from a boom.

[@ChrisHarding-lk3jj]

Even with a helmet you have to worry about a broken neck.

[@zzanatos2001]

Moral of the story: Keep a good eye on the weather, take down the main sail before a squall reaches you, train everybody properly, and always expect the boom to break loose in strong seas.

[@CaptMarkSailing]

Reef early- stay patient and vigilant. Always sail in control and within your ability.

[@tweitz8678]

What both incidents have in common is the furling boom and the fact that the boom is so massive that it was able to overcome the preventer and become a powerful weapon. As much as I think a furling boom is better than in-mast furling because of the risk of the latter getting stuck, this suggests that preventers really need to be much better sized to match the mass of the boom. For my own coastal sailing I opted for an old fashioned mainsail because I did not trust the in mast furling to enable me to lower the sail in adverse conductions.

[@malthus101]

"an old fashioned mainsail" - meaning it must be raised and lowered manually?

[@rjthemanwatts]

Last sailboat I was on we spent half the sail trying to get the in mast furled main unstuck

[@BrianMac1525]

As a keyboard hero, isn't the idea behind a furling boom to make things easy? Push the button, do the reefing early down to a postage stamp, and avoid the nightmare altogether. They were not racing with a highly skilled crew, give up some mileage, and use the equipment as intended, reefing early and reef often, that's why it's push button. Boasting 200-mile days is not worth the risk in changing conditions. Sorry RIP folks.

[@billhanna5455]

Good point on the weight of the boom BUT id rather have that weight down low then up high in the mast , I used a block for the preventor run from the 'end' of the boom then bow back to the cockpit .

[@internetposta7389]

​@@malthus101 You have the sail. In modern fancy setups, it often rolls itself into the mast (the big stick on a sailboat) or into the boom (the bottom part of that L system. The problems of each are the in mast furling is prone to getting jammed so you can't put the sail away. The in boom furling is less prone to that but the boom is much heavier. The old school way, you release the line (rope) holding up the main sail and it drops down into a bad or you just tie it up with ropes. Far less convenient, but far fewer points of failure. It has its own danger in high winds , but the boom is much higher.

[@martinwarner1178]

One cure, Hove to. All boats in the 1979 Fast net race that did that survived. I used to practice hove to, on the east coast of England all the time. Peace and goodwill

[@petercharles6462]

Perhaps the lesson from these two incidents is something I have always avoided. Running, at night, in bad weather, is outside my risk profile. There is no destination important enough that the miles lost by going to a broad reach are truly missed.

[@LadyKSailing]

That is a great point! I agree.

[@hogfishmaximussailing5208]

If you cross oceans, it may not be a choice you can make.

[@petercharles6462]

@hogfishmaximussailing5208 You ALWAYS have a choice! It may be that you DESIRE to maintain a certain course, but even the largest ships will depart from the "best course" in the face of dangerous weather. Having been in significant storms at sea in a 44' sailboat up to 500' Navy ships, each has a point at which you have to say to yourself "is this action prudent and in the best interests of my vessel and crew."

[@keving3639]

Wow some great responses from a really sad event. I think it was mentioned was this boat too big once things got ugly ?. Or is the lesson depower early ALWAYS to keep the boat calm ?. I was caught in an east coast low on a return trip from Lord Howe Island to Sydney. All commercial shipping were told to divert, all east coast ports were closed and there was us in the middle of it in a mighty Northshore 38. Tough sea boat & manageable. I consistently feel i owe my life to that boat.

[@tyrotrainer765]

I'm a Coastal Skipper but have done a lot of offshore; 2 options ran through my mind as I was watching this: 1. Heaving-to when things started going pear-shaped (before the first call for the skipper to go upstairs) 2. Deploying a sea-anchor. I hate to sound smug commenting on this awful tragedy, but I wonder if the skipper was well-drilled in both techniques and had practiced them - our crew had to use both during an Atlantic crossing in 2000 and we had no dramas because the skipper was a real old salty seadog and was well versed in these techniques on bigger boats.

[@martinos5385]

Very sorry for them! To all others here I highly recommend to start or to learn or restart sailing on small dinghy boats without motors, in each weather condition!!! If you can‘t handle a small one you‘ll never can a big one.

[@saraw8503]

My first boating experience was during childhood with a small skiff and oars.

[@splitliving]

Yes, much like all other sports-motorcycle riding, diving, mountain climbing, car racing-it behooves one to start small, stay humble, and recognize you are never, ultimately, the One in charge.

[@Genevieve8002]

Awwww, RIP to the couple who passed away. Very sad. 😢I know nothing about boats and sailing, and over the last couple of weeks, since returning from my first ever cruise - I find myself wanting to know, and learn all things on being at sea! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I was able to follow what happened, despite not knowing about booms, sail and furling! 😊

[@rwizard]

There is much to learn. A couple of easy ways to get your feet wet: (1) Buy a copy of Chapman's Seamanship and Small Boat Handling. (2) Take courses from the local Power Squadron. Once you understand some of the basics then you might want to look for a good sailing school. Beyond that,make friends in the boating community and ask if you can learn to crew for them. People on the water are generally friendly and help each other out. Start slowly, start small, and be humble. A gentle breeze on shore can translate to a nightmare out on the ocean. Never stop learning, never get cocky, and stay sober underway. The ocean is a ruthless mistress and will kill you for the slightest mistake. Both my father and I spent a lot of time out on the water, and we saw a lot, but there is always something else to learn. Have fun, it's beautiful out there.

[@kathyinwonderlandl.a.8934]

Man I’d never go to sea on a small boat it’s too dangerous

[@rwizard]

@ Not all that dangerous if you follow the rules. I've been a long way offshore in some pretty small boats. Worst trip was coming back from the Bahamas in the edge of a hurricane. It was a choice between running for home or waiting to get hit by the storm. There was a big catamaran lost though.

[@preeceroger5064]

Thank you for the thorough breakdown and analysis of the problems and actions encountered by the owners and crew. It was very educational and enlightening.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@danglss76]

Something similar happened to my son and i about 15 miles off Chesapeake. Sixteen footers ,hell . Finally got it spun into the wind and reefed. Very scarey and to this day remember very little of that 16 hour battle . What a fight. Broken bones and contusions every inch of muscle . Woooo hooo. What a life . God Bless these folks .that said they lived a hell of a life .. ❤❤❤❤

[@Glenlivinit]

If you think you might need to reef, it's too late ! Been there, very scary

[@sionnachog894]

A story well told, though tragic. My instinct would have been to force her round into the wind using the engine, as a first step. Maybe she wouldn't do that, but she was only going to continue to jibe in those seas with the main sheet severed (its a wonder the boom didn't break the stays and bring the mast down) You could say that the hubris of a 2m dollar boat led them to take the outward route rather than the accepted island hopping one. That, I think was their fundamental error.

[@JeffreyWilstone]

OMG i wasn’t prepared to hear that both of the injured boat owners did not make it out alive! 😢 such a sad story but hopefully we all can learn something from this tragic event?

[@shable1436]

Yeah Sandy blue beaches and clear blue water is my jam too

[@emiliebova]

I went on a sail outside NY harbor that became totally fogged in. I was terrified as we crossed shipping lanes among giant tankers. Haven’t sailed since.

[@billhanna5455]

As a delivery skipper > Take the wind out of the sails . Might damage a sail BUT wind arft in big seas ? Lines over the side , One of the first things to look for in an emergency . Im surprised the boom was as low as it was to hit a person in the cockpit on a yacht that size ?

[@bobflyman]

Exactly what I said above, also I'm a pro sailing skipper, 70,000 miles and had tropical storm 10 in my 30 footer en route Bermuda Azores 30 years ago. What the fuck were they doing carrying on downwind in that situation? 😂

[@Ike_C]

@@bobflyman Not a sailor at all, so I always assumed that the wind coming from behind is the most efficient way to sail. Is that wrong?

[@Doogsa-dl8sc]

Lines over the side a rookie error for sure. High speed hull (fast vessel) and rigging not ideal for long distance cruising in open oceans. Not a matter of if they would encounter bad weather but when.

[@EllDub]

​@@Ike_C Downwind is the slowest point of sail

[@tonybazz53]

Very risky sailing out that far at night with the wind in the rear.

[@fredjones7307]

Has no one heard of the term " to hove to " even under bare poles. I would have thought the first priority was to get the boat head to wind and more or less stationery with the use of the engine. Sounds to me like total chaos reigned...

[@sultanpoppa3735]

Agreed, I thought that was the conclusion as to why so many boats were lost at the Fastnet disaster, the survivors hove-to.

[@thecatofnineswords]

That was my initial thought too, turn across the wind, briefly be exposed to cross waves, maybe have a knock-down, but get the nose into the wind!

[@pmnfernando]

@@fredjones7307 thats why going under bare poles is not the way to go. you need a bit of cloth to be able to get the boat to hove to, get everything calmer and work the problems. it also means ppl have to know what the minimum cloth their boat needs under different scennarios

[@lyfandeth]

One does not "hove to" in the US. One "heaves to" and if that is complete, then on is "hove to." One is the action, the verb. The other is the result of the action. Like I stood up. NOW I'm not stooding, I'm standing. What is that, a present participle or something?

[@louisavondart9178]

Owner vs. captain. Sometimes they just won't listen to good advice.

[@shannonlowe2412]

I do dream of crossing oceans, these stories always make me sad. They also make me think more about safety but have yet to deter me. Tim you are very good at telling these stories. Miss your Historsea Channel.

[@byterbit6236]

I spent this summer crewing on a large boat with in boom furling - and a new owner, who is a friend. It became obvious very fast that we couldn’t cleanly furl - that is roll the sail into the boom - while going downwind in any kind of high wind. Tension needed to be kept on the halyard in all conditions to get a good wrap. With a strong aft breeze and a bouncing sea we’d always get a bad roll on the mandrel. Our solution was to head up-wind, as a matter of course.

[@davidmatthews3093]

Does anybody reef a mainsail going downwind?

[@byterbit6236]

@@davidmatthews3093 I never thought of it on any other boat. We tried it here a few times as we were both learning the new systems, and it occurred to us that in-boom furling might allow for it. No; not for us. I commented on the issue here as this seemed the explanation for the tragedy - that and the use of a preventer. As I listened to the story I was thinking the owners must have believed they could reef going downwind - and I wanted to share my experience of it just not working well. I also think the idea of using a preventer in conditions where an accidental jibe could lead to gear breaking is a needless risk. I tried this once on a delivery and woke to being told of a 5/8” preventer snapping. Better to run with just a headsail, not worry, and get a good night’s sleep.

[@AwesomeAngryBiker]

stop bragging about yourself, the video is not about you

[@a64738]

Every sailboat I have been in you need to head against the wind to be able to take down the sails, even just a little wind and it is impossible. In a full storm the first thing you should do is point the nose into the wind to keep the boat under control, and if engine is out you use a drift anchor to achieve that...

[@georgegibson707]

Compelling and tragic story. Thankyou for telling. The forces at work on a yacht that size would be large.

[@69spook]

A giant flailing it's arms out of control comes to mind.

[@Pooua]

Wow! What a story! See, this is one of a thousand reasons that I don't live on a boat! I had no intention of sitting through a 21-minute video on this topic, but this is such a compelling story that I did, anyway. I will say that as tragic as this story was, especially for this couple, this was the life they chose, and this is what they chose to face in that life.

[@markvan3465]

I sailed that route in 2000 on a 50’ cat. We lost a rudder half way between DR and Bermuda. We had repairs carried out there but then lost the other one half way between Bermuda and Halifax. Tough sailing with the one smaller unbalanced rudder that we had built. The sea just takes what she wants sometimes…

[@AquaPixMedia]

What brand of Catamaran was it?

[@markvan3465]

@ It was a custom boat, built in Lunenburg, NS. “Bras d’Or Sea” was built to take people for day-trips on the Bras d’Or Lakes

[@markvan3465]

The rudder assembly’s consisted of a steel tube with a solid steel insert. The rudders were attached to the inserts and they both broke up inside the tubes. In the first case, we noticed the the steering was getting less than responsive so the captain raised the rudder using the rudder davit. When he did this it slipped out of the sleeve and floated away. Second one broke a week later. Probably better designs out there now.

[@PDM1967]

Good story. Going to pass on those sailing lessons I was considering.

[@mesmes1958456456]

What a sad story. Thank you.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching.

[@philipwelsh1862]

Amazing all these adventures by these people and they risk all the life’s of the rescue services

[@kameltoes2625]

One of the notes in the report was the design issue that in-boom furling systems require heading into the wind to de-power the sail before you can furl them.

[@themusicador]

Amazing delivery of this sad anecdote. Always respect nature and don’t test it too much.

[@andrewpienaar4522]

Wow, Shocking story! Just shows that mankind still has to respect nature.

[@MrSafetyForever]

Very sad to learn of this tragedy. My condolences to the family.

[@jameshuggins7320]

You are a great story teller, very impressive

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@jameshuggins7320]

@ thanks for not blasting us with ads and also providing top notch sailing content in this era of vapid out of touch influencers. Figured you’d have more subs than these knuckleheads.

[@GeshronTyler1]

I experienced a period of downwind stormy weather sailing with my Uncle, off the west coast of Norway. Winds were from the south, our intended course N NW or so, the following seas pretty uncomfortable, threatening a jibe if we tried to stay on course. We did install a preventer, but experienced an uncontrolled jibe that broke the shackle. Luckiky, nothing got damaged. Preventer got reinstalled, and we accepted having to tack before the wind, on a more stable course, doing a granny tack when it came time to change course. We were feeling the pressure of "getthereitis" for sure. It was my uncles's boat, so it wasn't charter fees and penalties that were driving us, but there was a crewmember arriving that day, and we were determined to reach a harbor that was in relative good reach of the airport. Winds were 5 to 6 Beaufort, which my uncle under any normal circumstances would have avoided sailing in, but we'd already had been plagued by weather delays of a few days at a time, and the forecast was for the winds to reduce in strength as the day wore on.

[@tomcooper6108]

The rescue was fantastic! Thanks to everyone involved.

[@tonythrowaway3327]

one of the first things I remember to proudly know as a child is that the bermuda area is where a lot of bad things happen

[@seanrhone5306]

The men and women of the Coast Guard are not paid enough!

[@69spook]

I wonder what the bill was for the rescue? 😮

[@seanrhone5306]

@@69spook Probably $100k

[@raylast3873]

Almost certainly literally true

[@kennyg1358]

​@@69spookdoes their estate pay for the rescue?

[@karenmcdonald7801]

Great narration, kept me gripped all the way through.

[@jamesbaldwin7676]

Large modern sailboats depend entirely on electric furling systems and a host of mechanical devices to make sailing with little or no crew a reality. The sails are also huge as a result. Maintaining control over the whole thing depends entirely on the engineering of the boat and it's many systems. The problem is no amount of engineering or modern mechanics can compensate or prevent risky maneuvers, mistakes or poor judgement from fragile human mines.

[@DanOneOne]

and they can simply break. And what will you do then?...

[@proto57]

I don't understand why they didn't turn upwind when things got out of control. Can anyone explain? I have sailed smaller boats... 30' and under... and this is what I always do, when I am sailing downwind, but want to reduce or drop my sails. Turning into the wind would have taken the pressure off the main, and allowed it to be furled into the boom. No?

[@jennifera4350]

Yes. they should not have waited so long and then depended on their mechanical furling gear to try and furl it downwind, However at the point they were trying to furl it even up wind the boom and sail would have been wildly swinging, plus the waves were moderately large. They needed to do this up wind, much earlier. When one person could handle it.

[@keithknight9017]

@@jennifera4350 I sort of agree with what you say but it's easy from an armchair to criticise -we don't know the sea state. To turn head to wind means you have to go beam on at some point and at this point the "apparent" wind increases dramatically. Very difficult to judge timing in the dark. Many of the earlier comments are right on the mark re crew numbers, experience etc. I certainly would have been on just the jib. I would also have probably just cut the sail as last resort (cheaper than losing boat!)

[@jennifera4350]

​@@keithknight9017 This is why i say they should have done this earlier.But you are right that it's always easier to manage things from an armchair! Cutting a sail is also more dangerous than it may sound. You'd then have to lower the sail, and part of it would be on the boat. If the wind wasn't steady...it would be flapping around wildly. Too easy for a person to get tangled in the mess. The biggest problem was they were depending on mechanical devices to do things they couldn't. Plus instead of 4 crew they had 2 people with life threatening injuries who really needed immediate and constant medical care, at the same time as they had to also deal with the dangerous situation of the boat.

[@vusvis]

This I also don't understand fully. Maybe they were afraid of making the turn upwind. You need to time it well with the waves, because you can get knocked over if a wave hits you when you're at beam reach point. But still, they were on a 60' yacht so 26' waves although large and frightening, shouldnt be able to roll the boat. In general, the waves must be at least 1.5x the beam of the boat for rolling to be a severe risk.. My take on this, sitting in my cozy armchair, is that they should've turned upwind at the moment the squall hit. But thats hindsight.. Tragic story and my sincere condoleances to those who are affected.

[@captainjimolchs]

I recall that they were fighting the rudder, which signals an attempt to keep the boat downwind, despite the safety factors built into the design.

[@Elmerkeith-c5g]

Good Story.... The couple was looking for adventure.... and they found it

[@captainjimolchs]

Adventure is an expedition poorly planned.

[@adambane1719]

Great story telling. Thank you. Keep safe everyone !

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheAdventuresofPrinceDiamond]

I don't understand why the crew didn't start the engine, full power, wait for a lull between crests and then go head to wind? There would have been no wild boom, nor problems in getting the sail down. You can't get a main sail down with ANY wind on the stern. Terrible situation. [Circumnavigator here]

[@markthomasson5077]

Yes you can…you need an unstayed mast rig.

[@scottcates]

Agreed. It makes no sense why they didn't head up to depower the sails and take waves on the bow, too.

[@markthomasson5077]

@ because all of a sudden the apparent wind doubles.

[@louisavondart9178]

Probably the owner refused to listen to the captain. Remember, there was also a language barrier to contend with.

[@bnelkin]

i was thinking exactly the same thing... if the account is totally accurate they waited a very long time to finally turn into the wind. from these details i can't imagine doing anything other than turning into the wind and taking down the sails.

[@URLWer]

Our 5 day trip from Halifax to Bermunda turned into 7 days of high winds and big waves. Heaving to for 2 days was our solution. End result: Shredded staysail, radar broken from mast and lots of wiring wrapped around the prop-shaft in the bilge. It was an interesting trip. Anyone looking for crew ? ;-)

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Tragic story of competent sailors, luckily rare these days. But I do have to wonder - if they'd bought a 55 would they have taken less risks & still be alive? It's easy to think you're "unsinkable" in such a big, fast yacht. Cheers Tim. 🇦🇺 ⚓

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

Wow what a sad story 😢 Great job telling the story. R.I.P Safe sailing everyone. 🙏🏼 Cheers from 2 Canadians 🇨🇦 living in Mexico. ❤️🇲🇽

[@superhawk20002]

Tragic story and lesson. Amazing to see the amount of resources that we will send out to help save just a few people (Coast Guard, ship, C-130, helicopters, etc).

[@kbwinter]

Yup who pays for all of it?😊

[@nefas11]

Just a couple people???

[@duartebriz]

What I learn from this stories is that, for ocean crossings, the smaller the boat the better.

[@Rachels123]

I came to St. Croix, usvi in 1963 on a 63 ft square rigger my father built in Michigan. In the early days the Caribbean was not the usual destination for boaters. Over the years (I’m 69) the vessels entering our harbor have shared stories of survival. It’s not for the weak. My admiration for boaters is immense .😊

[@diannabrooks]

Do you have a photo of your dads square rigged boat that he made by any chance? Sounds very nice. I was a liveaboard on a Chinese Junk in the Bay Area for 10 years. My son and I still remember her fondly.

[@joannej5393]

Situations like this are exactly why I never wanted to cross. We sold our beauty of a boat. I have never regretted it.

[@Franco.Zanchi]

If you don't depower the main before you reef something will brake. Especially in strong condition, and if it's a big powerful boat like a CNB then you're very likely to get hurt. Old story but very sad.

[@CJSHM]

I would never imagine trying to reef while still oriented downwind in anything but light to moderate winds and even then, only if I'm racing with a crew and am trying to make good time. Solo or cruising, I come up to wind. Always. Zero exception

[@sydneerudolph1063]

It only took me and my husband about 3 years of sailing before "reef before you need to" became our mantra. We now reef pretty much any time we see consistent 20 knots (note: we definitely prefer cruising speeds, we are not in a hurry lol). I will say that we have now successfully had a very comfy sail in 35+ knot winds with very little heel because of reefing early. I know this is not the worst we will see, but its good to know if youre just starting out and will save you lots of scary experiences.

[@davescott1491]

Very frightening situation. You are a great story teller! The listener was almost there. Ocean crossing are no joke.

[@warrenclark3475]

You did a good job explaining this tragic event

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimfisk4474]

Wow, what I have any and God bless all❤