23.11.2006, 15:00
VELUX 5 OCEANS - Media Alert
Southern Ocean rescue PLanned for FIRST LIGHT on friday NOVEMBER 24
British skippers wait nervously for sunrise to carry out a dramatic
transfer
Mike Golding (ECOVER), the solo skipper who has heroically turned back
in the VELUX 5 OCEANS to rescue fellow British competitor Alex Thomson,
is currently in sight of the stricken HUGO BOSS Open 60. The British
pair are deep in the Southern Ocean, 1,000 miles southeast off the Cape
of Good Hope. Following a severe keel failure onboard Thomson's boat
this morning and his subsequent decision to abandon ship, Golding did
not hesitate to respond and immediately turn back to assist in an ocean
rescue.
At 20:30 GMT, ECOVER had made contact with HUGO BOSS. The harsh weather
conditions are typical of the Southern Ocean with sleet, snow and winds
over 30 knots, although the sea state is stable. Both skippers have been
in regular communication with each other and race control to expedite
the rendezvous. Together they have taken the decision to wait for
sunrise, expected soon after 03:00 GMT, in order to carry out the rescue
to ensure the absolute safety of the skippers. This reflects the
challenging nature of a dangerous boat to boat rescue in the extreme
Southern Ocean conditions. Alex and Mike are experienced offshore
sailors who have trained extensively for such situations and will
therefore make responsible and informed decisions on the best course of
action. Mike will spend the night monitoring HUGO BOSS from a safe
distance until they can commence the rescue effort first thing in the
morning.
Once the rescue is complete and the skippers are safe, Mike Golding can
return to full racing mode again back to Fremantle. He will ask Alex
Thomson not to assist in any way and will apply for re-dress to the race
committee, meaning that ECOVER will not be penalized as a result of the
rescue. The VELUX 5 OCEANS is raced over 3 legs, with the winner
determined by overall elapsed time, and Mike Golding's time will be
altered to take into account his courageous rescue. Sadly, this marks
the end of the Ultimate Solo Challenge for Alex Thomson on HUGO BOSS.
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