19.05.2006
From: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN QFB LEG SEVEN DAY 9
Sent: 19 May 2006 00:02
It was a very sad day out here on the North Atlantic. Words can not
properly address the emotions that we all have inside of us, nor the
magnitude of this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayer are with the crew of
ABN2 and the family of Hans Horrevoets (NED), who left behind a wife and 2
year old daughter, I believe.
I will inform you of the events of the day.
First came word that there was a man over board situation, then the
request for us to assist; we knew the situation was dire. Onboard the
Black Pearl we immediately took down our spinnaker and began to turn back
to assist ABN2.
It is amazing how long this takes in the dark and 30 knots
of wind. Alarming really. We battled upwind, putting reefs in our main.
Then came word that the crew member had been recovered. Amazing! No word
on his condition. We continue toward the location, then came word to
stand down. We then turned back down wind to reorganize ourselves to
resume racing. Then at about 0500 we got word that the crewmember
concerned, had passed on. There was about 5 minutes of total silence in
the pitch black of night as all ten of us huddled in the cockpit of the
Black Pearl. Finally about an hour later, after next of kin had been
notified, we learned that it was Hans who had perished. A very shocking
and sobering three hours.
We have all thought about the possibility of falling over board. The
reality is, that if you fall off of one of these boats, the likelihood off
being recovered is very low. It is a harsh world out here when it gets
rough and these boats start doing excess of 30 knots. I think the crew of
ABN2 should be given a special recognition from the highest levels of our
sport for finding Hans in 40 minutes on a pitch black night with 4 meter
waves.
Despite being in state of shock, we have been slowly ramping up our
racing. First we had to get back into our watches. We were all hands on
deck for about four hours so some guys did not sleep for 12 hours
straight. Then we had to get the right sails up, keep the meal schedule
going, and get back into our routine.
The wind came up to 40 knots today and the boat was getting pounded.
Plenty of slamming and nose diving in the very short and steep waves. The
force of the waves coming down the deck blew our main companionway hatch
off its track. Another wave hit the stack of sails so hard it bent one of
the stanchions over. The wind has abated no as the front has passed us so
it will be a milder night, 25-30 knots are forecast. We are approaching
tonight with an extra bit of caution.
We are all racing the boat but each of our minds drifts off to other
thoughts. It will take a while to get back to 100% and it will be a night
that none of us will ever forget.
Paul Cayard - skipper
For media information on the Volvo Ocean Race, please contact:
Lizzie Green Press Officer at race headquarters:
Tel: +44 1489 554 832, Mob: +44 7801 185 320
Email: lizzie.green@volvooceanrace.org
Sophie Luther Press Assistant at race headquarters
Mob: +44 7956 285548 email: sophie.luther@volvooceanrace.org
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