Friday 12th december 2008
A fright aboard Safran
In thirty knots of wind and speeds varying between 17 and 22 knots under small gennaker and with two reefs in the indexsail, Safran, skippered by Marc Guillemot, was involved in a very violent collision at around 18h25 UTC yesterday evening. The radar and UFO detector were working, but nothing was spotted, as it most certainly involved a submerged object.
We should add that the Safran monohull is fitted with an infra-red micro-camera attached to the head of the mast, which is able to spot any object on the surface measuring 2 metres by 2 metres, that does not have the same temperature as the water.
The rudder hook became detached, causing the boat to broach at slow speed and go out of control. Marc had to furl the gennaker as quickly as possible and then reattach the hook. He set sail again under reduced sail to ensure that there were no other problems. The absence of any sign of impact on the hull suggests a collision with a marine mammal.
This morning, Safran is sailing at 17 knots under staysail and with two reefs in the indexsail in heavy seas.
Mille & une vagues
Soazig Guého
Mob. +33 (0)6 62 08 75 44
Email. gueho-soazig@wanadoo.fr
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