The Geronimo saga continues

by Al Constable on 23 Mar 2005 Olivier de Kersauson’s 34 metre trimaran Geronimo retired with major crossbeam damage from the Oryx Quest.

She sailed to Sydney and the 22 metre wide giant was berthed at Sydney Foxtel Studio wharf near Darling Harbour.

Geronimo needs further repairs to her forward crossbeam which, despite repairs made in Perth, is showing new signs of damage, making continuing the 'round the world race' unwise.

At 8.30am Monday, Geronimo, towed by a number of Pacific Rim Maritime’s Protector boats much smaller than the large 44 metre long vessel, began its journey from Sydney Harbour, 70 miles north to the Newcastle shipyard for repairs.

The French crew was ably supported on their journey by a very experienced Aussie contingent comprising of David Sampson, Stewart Moran from the Sydney Ports Authority and a Control Tower Specialist, Ty Oxley and local knowledge, certificate pilot James Stewart.

The operation was organised by logistic specialists Rob and Christopher Stirling from Pacific Rim Maritime.

The sail to Newcastle was approximately six hours and by the time Geronimo arrived off the port the breeze had increased to 25-30 knots with a building sea to 3.5 metres off the breakwater.

The two Protector Ribs were towed by trailer up the freeway for launching in Newcastle. They then supported the entry of the yacht into the port and its subsequent towing to the ADI Shipyard, where the repairs are to be undertaken.

The task of bring the yacht into the port of Newcastle was 'very interesting', as the channel entry breeze was on the nose and therefore the yacht could not sail into the channel.

The task was challenging. The Protector’s took the vessel in tow at speeds of 15 to 20 knots and in seas of three to four metres, with an 8.5 metre Protector picking up the tow line at speed.

Rob Stirling explained. ‘We locked in a position between the hulls to take the line and then moved forward prior to being over run.

The 7.5 metre Protected took a stern line position as it was to be the boat’s brake after Geronimo rode out the swells of the entry channel.

Sails were lowered and still Geronimo was traveling at ten to fifteen knots. The 44 metre mast alone provided plenty of windage area.

The channel was identified with the assistance of the local Pilot and we turned the corner after the last wave and took up the line pressure – we made it without incident.

We continued the tow to the berth and the skills of all aboard were amazing, as we landed at the dock going down wind with an approach of nine knots, with the wind increasing.

The towing Protectors became braking vessels and we were able to stop the 30 ton, 32 meter LOA, 22 metre beam yacht - in for a perfect landing!'

Geronimo is now at the ADI Newcastle facility. Under the direction of Boatspeed, her mast was removed removed and repairs identified.

Work is expected to take between 30-45 days.

Right now there is a rumour afloat that Geronimo will undertake a circumnavigation of Australia - a little trip of 6,000 milesm - to establish a new speed record.