Technical report on the 2024 sinkings of S/V Gunga Din and S/V Alliance
by Bermuda Race Organizing Committee 16 May 01:36 AEST
Gunga Din - 2024 Newport Bermuda Race © Daniel Forster
The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC) partnered with US Sailing and the Cruising Club of America to release a detailed investigative report titled "Report on the Sinkings of the Sailing Vessels Gunga Din and Alliance During the 2024 Newport-Bermuda Race."
The report analyzes the technical and structural factors that contributed to the loss of two offshore yachts during the 53rd running of the Race. Prior reports on the Safety Review focused on the abandonments and subsequent rescues of these incidents was released in February.
The report was authored by a collaborative team of experts led by James D. Phyfe, III, David Pedrick (President, Pedrick Yacht Design), Harry Dunning (Dunning and Associates, LLC), and J. Michael Keyworth, with support from US Sailing and the Cruising Club of America. Their findings offer valuable insights into vessel design, maintenance, and offshore safety protocols—insights that are intended to inform future preparation for all offshore sailors.
The 2024 Newport Bermuda Race began with 162 starters departing from Fort Adams in Newport, RI. While light conditions marked the start, a persistent southwesterly breeze of 20-35 knots soon developed. A strong southerly-flowing meander in the Gulf Stream, positioned west of the rhumb line, produced steep seas from wind-against-current conditions. Fourteen vessels retired—seven made port in Bermuda, five returned to the U.S., and two were lost: Gunga Din and Alliance.
"This report reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, safety, and seamanship," said Andrew Kallfelz, Race Chair for the 2024 and 2026 Newport Bermuda Races. "By examining the complex circumstances surrounding the loss of these two yachts, we hope to share meaningful lessons with the offshore sailing community."
The report concludes that the sinking of Gunga Din may have been avoided had certain prior modifications to the vessel been better documented, inspected, and understood by all parties involved. No single party was solely responsible; instead, the sinking resulted from a convergence of factors.
"Responsibility for a vessel's structural integrity is shared among owners, builders, designers, and surveyors—especially following significant or even seemingly minor alterations or incidents," said James Phyfe, lead of the review committee.
The sinking of Alliance was traced to a catastrophic structural failure in the upper rudder bearing area. This investigation could not definitively determine whether Alliance struck a submerged object but their calculations—supported by J/Boats—indicate that external forces may have contributed. However, regardless of impact, the structural failure at the rudder bearing proved fatal to the hull's integrity.
The report recommends that owners and inspectors of offshore-capable racing vessels closely review rudder bearing installations to ensure adequate support and integration with surrounding structures. For 2026, Newport Bermuda Race will be adding a keel and rudder inspection requirement to the Safety Requirements similar to the one now as part of the World and US Sailing Safety Equipment Requirements. Those will be released next month.
The Report on the Sinkings of the Sailing Vessels Gunga Din and Alliance is now available to the public. BROC encourages all offshore sailors, boat owners, surveyors, and marine service providers to review the findings.
Access the full report here