2 minute read
An Ordeal Or An Adventure?
“Why do I chase this lifestyle?” That was the thought that kept repeating in my head during the 35 hours we spent on a parachute anchor 450Nm off the coast of Australia.
After an exciting departure from Southport and a reasonably comfortable few days at sea, we approached day three of our journey when things quickly took a turn for the worse...
At approximately 0200, whilst on watch and hand steering at the helm, a repetitive bang emerged from the bow of the vessel. I immediately turned on the deck lights to see the ¾ furled Genoa flapping uncontrollably.
Suspecting there was a serious issue, I called my crew member & friend Nicola (Nic) on deck and instructed her to start the engine on her way up.
Vaquita was put to wind, and Nic took the helm as I went forward to assess the situation further.
I soon discovered the anchor and roller were over the side of the vessel, violently impacting the starboard bow and causing significant damage as a result of a bowsprit failure.
I determined that the best course of action would be to deploy the parachute anchor off the bow to gain control of the vessel. Four hours later, with the help of a spare halyard and some heavy-duty ratchet straps, Nic and I finished retrieving the bow roller and anchor just in time for the sun to rise. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a series of events that would challenge us in a way we have never been challenged before...
Read the full story in the July AHOY Sailing News
