The Loss of Kelaerin

Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by Doug Lord, Jun 27, 2018.

  1. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,790
    Likes: 1,714, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    I disagree. She claimed their biggest mistake was not to have a bail-out bag ready. I don't see the reason to risk your life abandoning a boat that is not damaged or in any danger. Further, they put their rescuers in danger.
     
    Remmlinger likes this.
  2. Lula
    Joined: Jul 2018
    Posts: 3
    Likes: 2, Points: 3
    Location: Brasil

    Lula New Member

    Hi Mike, would like to know the drogue's name, I had good results both with using a Gale Ryder from the stern and a parachute from the bow with a bridle midship to control the angle , thank goodness it wasn't blowing 40 kn. Thanks
     
  3. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,790
    Likes: 1,714, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    40Kn is a gale, which in open waters should be no problem as long as the boat is in proper condition. It is not considered "survival" conditions.
     
  4. MikeJohns
    Joined: Aug 2004
    Posts: 3,192
    Likes: 208, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 2054
    Location: Australia

    MikeJohns Senior Member

    That’s a fundamental misunderstanding. Survival conditions are determined by the local sea state not by the local wind strength.
     
  5. MikeJohns
    Joined: Aug 2004
    Posts: 3,192
    Likes: 208, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 2054
    Location: Australia

    MikeJohns Senior Member

    I guess I shouldn't generalize. We were sailing a larger heavier boat and the drogue was a NZ made version of the Jordan Series drogue. Expensive too !
    The Australian Alex Whitworth whom I know well, did two circumnavs in a 30 foot Brolga (one via the NW passage the other via cape horn and weathered many a nasty blow) says they are absolutely necessary on a boat that size, and he'd know.
     
  6. Sejler
    Joined: Jul 2018
    Posts: 4
    Likes: 1, Points: 1
    Location: Denmark

    Sejler New Member

    To my knowledge USCG has the full authority to ask = command (!) the owner to leave any vessel..
     
  7. MikeJohns
    Joined: Aug 2004
    Posts: 3,192
    Likes: 208, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 2054
    Location: Australia

    MikeJohns Senior Member

    After they respond to a mayday it's their call whether they decline to attempt salvage or not. But I doubt they can order you off a boat otherwise unless you are arrested.
     
  8. Kojii
    Joined: Oct 2006
    Posts: 60
    Likes: 4, Points: 8, Legacy Rep: 45
    Location: Ensenada, BCN

    Kojii All is remodelling

    So many experts...so few aboard the Kilaerin.
    We applaud the skippers decision to put crew lives first.
    I was a coastie, involved in many rescues. Few understand the way it actually works. Sea lawyers and saints alike, make a note: they risk their lives to answer your call. Respect their risk and go with them.
    We have sailed this coast several times. Those who have not, know not.
    At sea anchor in a gale we took waves from three primary directions. The predominant seas were NW about 20 feet, but the worst were westerly, and we heard them coming like thunder, and they slammed the boat and things broke. Bolted through things, like engine mounts broke.
    I encourage everyone to read the accounts of experts who know the rogues of the graveyard of the Pacific.
    Courage.
     
    Doug Lord likes this.
  9. Remmlinger
    Joined: Jan 2011
    Posts: 312
    Likes: 58, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 172
    Location: Germany

    Remmlinger engineer

    This is exactly the reason why many questions in this forum were asked. What can a sailor do, to avoid someone else risking his life to rescue him?
    What are the necessary precautions? How can a sailor avoid such situations? What is prudent and what is good seamanship?
    The crucial moment to answer these questions is at the start of the journey.
    All these are valid questions, every report about an accident is an occation to learn.
     
    OzFred likes this.

  10. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,790
    Likes: 1,714, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    In the open ocean, sea state is closely related to wind strength. In some areas, like the Gulf Stream, northerly winds will generate steeper waves because of the current. However, that was not the case in this situation.
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.