Issue date
Squealer became the third boat to be forced to retire from the Auckland to Musket Cove Ocean race when it lost its rig at 1756hrs yesterday.
While we still don't know the circumstances of the dismsasting, we are pleased to report that all the crew members are safe, they have retrieved the rig, there is no structural damage to the boat, and they are currently motoring the final 48nm to the finish, under the watch of Maritime Radio in Taupo.
The Race Committee in Musket Cove are organising for fuel to be dropped to the boat later on today.
Wild Card finished at 03 14 17hrs this morning, in an elapsed time of 159:14:17.
Co-skipper Andrew Lodge says that after two days of picture perfect saiing, the sea state became very confused on Tuesday, for 30 hours of seasickness and unpleasant sailing.
At some point during the race, the boat, which is a veteran of many thousands of offshore miles, lost its propellor, something the crew only realised after crossing the finish line this morning. They anchored in Momi Bay overnight and Wild Card has been towed in by the Race Committee, and as this picture shows are enjoying the respite from racing.
Despite Wild Card's best efforts, they were just over three hours short of the time required to take a PHRF win from V5. Full results are on the RNZYS website.
This morning the finishers have woken up to sunny skies with some cloud, and 15 knots of breeze from the South East.
Special mention to some helpful locals
Here is 'Dolphin Star', owned by David and Judy Cull, operators of 'Take A Break Cruises' in Musket Cove. When no other boat was available, David and Judy helped out by taking the Race Committee out to the finish line - a two hour round trip. Although not needed due to heavy conditions, yesterday Jack Hargrave's boat 'Hanalei' was on stand by as overnight accommodation for John and his crew.
The Auckland to Musket Cove Ocean Race is organised by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and is supported by Manson Anchors, PredictWind.com, and TNL GAC Pindar. It started at midday on Saturday 1 June.
For more information:
Visit www.rnzys.org.nz for bulletins and access to the Yellowbrick tracker, and also check in at the RNZYS Facebook page for photos and commentary.
