One of the most vital aspects of seamanship and offshore racing is also the very first rule in the Racing Rules of Sailing (RSS). Rule 1.1 : A boat or competitor shall give all possible help to any person or vessel in danger. Over the past few days, the Volvo Ocean Race was the stage for an excellent example of the value of these rules in our sport.
In the early morning hours of Nov. 29th, Team Vestas Wind ran aground on the Caragados Carajos Shoals off of Maritius. Somewhat miraculously, none of the crew were injured when the Volvo 65 smashed into the reef going 19 knots.
While waiting for first light and rescue the team's closest competitors, Team Alvimedica, waited nearby, radios and logbooks in hand. Due to damage to the keel, rudders and stern compartment of Vestas Wind's boat, the crew chose to abandon ship into life rafts anchored to a dry part of the reef. Alvimedica remained on the scene for eight hours, until a local coast guard RIB was able to pick up all nine Vestas Wind crew and deliver them safely to a nearby islet.
What this event has taught the world is the value that offshore sailors place on safety and sportsmanship. When a vessel or individual is in danger, racing must be abandoned until all is well again. The Marion-Bermuda Race is proud to be a part of a sport where the well-being of all will always come before the trophy. Teams Vestas Wind and Alvimedica reacted according to all safety rules and guidelines, and as a result the outcome of this event was not a tragedy.
We remind all of our competitors that we require at least 30% of the crew aboard all Marion-Bermuda Race boats must have completed a US Sailing Sanctioned
Safety at Sea course in the past five years. We, of course, recommend that all crew-both race and return-take the course.
More on the events of the Volvo Ocean Race accident and rescue
here.
