Gale force winds play havoc with sun-seeking rallies

by Bernews/Sail-World Cruising on 8 Nov 2011 Gale force winds have played havoc with the annual rally to the Caribbean from Newport to Bermuda, the event which delivers yachts from the cold climes of the north to warm waters of the Caribbean just in time for the season, and also delayed the start of another rally, the Caribbean 1500.

The North American Rally To The Caribbean’s [NARC] has been severely disrupted by last weekend’s savage storms, with the cargo ship Oleander picking up four survivors from one abandoned yacht.

Most of the fleet of 22 boats left Newport on November 1st, under fair skies, and were expected to arrive in Bermuda sometime last weekend. The gale force winds have thrown these plans aside, however, as many yachts chose to hove to until the severe weather passes. This year's NARC is the 12th edition of this event, which is organized by Hank Schmidt and Offshore Passage Opportunities, and includes boats ranging in size from a 36-foot Columbia to an Oyster 56 and eight Swans from a 44 to a 56. After Bermuda, the fleet then heads to St. Maarten.

In addition, the Caribbean 1500, a rally that was due to depart from Hampton Virginia on Monday has delayed its noon departure from Fort Monroe due to weather concerns. The race will now depart on Wednesday at noon

'Unfortunately, we are watching a tropical depression over Turks and Caicos,' said Julie Palm, Caribbean 1500 spokesperson. 'We have delayed the race departure for 48 hours and plan to leave Fort Monroe at 12 noon on Wednesday.'

In the NARC another participating vessel was helped into the island of Bermuda by pilot boats. Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre reported this morning that continuing high winds and occasional gale-force conditions at sea had played havoc with the cruising rally participants who set out from Rhode Island for Bermuda on October 30.

'At approximately 3:30 pm yesterday, the crew of MV Oleander was involved in the successful recovery of four survivors from the 46 foot sailing vessel Elle a NARC rally participant, located approximately 200 miles northwest of Bermuda,' said a Maritime Operations spokesman.

The captain of Elle decided to abandon their vessel having encountered steering failure & subsequent injury to a crew member — bruised ribs — in 30-35 knot winds with seas ranging from 20 – 30 feet.

'The 'Oleander’, en route from New Jersey to Bermuda, was diverted to the distress position and has since arrived in Hamilton Harbour this morning where the crew members were landed ashore. One of the survivors wished to express his gratitude for the professionalism shown by the captain and crew of the Oleander during the rescue operation.'
The 'Oleander' is operated by Bermuda Container Lines.

Early this morning another NARC rally participant, the 49-foot Riot suffered steering failure on final approach to St. George’s Harbour and issued a distress call. 'Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre tasked the Pilot boat ‘St. George’ and tug ‘Powerful’ to assist the vessel with winds averaging 30-35 knots during the rescue operation and attempts being made to keep the sailing vessel clear of the reef structure.' said the Marine Operations spokesman. 'The yacht ‘Riot’, with six persons onboard, was safely guided into St. George’s Harbour a short while later.

The annual NARC rally attracts veteran offshore sailors and professionally crewed boats and is described as 'a grass-roots' affair for seasoned mariners.

In Bermuda the St. Georges Dinghy and Sports Club is hosting NARC participants who, after filling up on fuel, were then scheduled to head to the final rally destination, St. Maarten in the Caribbean.

Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre said it is also in contact with a number of other sailing vessels presently offshore which have suffered rigging failure or are hove to due to present weather conditions.