During the first Retro Race of 2025 on the 19th October we experienced an unexpected extreme squall. Gusts of up to 35 knots were recorded. The two main incidents during the race were:
1) The skipper of Sirocco was thrown overboard and had difficulty reboarding but was assisted by a passing skiff until the rescue boat arrived shortly after and returned him to his boat.
2) Kailani experienced a capsize that occurred in a rather surprising manner. She ended up fully inverted but was righted by the crew and needed no assistance.
The official report by Fons Berkhout who was the Race Officer of the day can be read here
James Bennett’s report of Kailani’s capsize can be read here
Many boats in the race retired. Jim Black’s comments probably summarised the race for many of the retirees.
- It was a difficult day – started with a reef in, then under oars, then shook out reef, then put it in again, all before the start!
- The course involved a lot of beating which is not Wee Birlinn’s strong point, but we were set to go.
- That squall, which seemed to be never ending, certainly tested us but we were under control at all times, slowly making our way to windward – and were in a position to stand by Kailani if needed.
- The problem was that I was wearing inadequate clothing – my lightweight spray-jacket just wasn’t proof against all that spray and rain coming aboard – I was soaked through and getting cold. In contrast Paul, my crew, was adequately dressed and enjoying the conditions!
- Looking ahead at the amount of windward work still ahead of us, the amount of water we were taking on, and my condition, I decided that retiring and heading back to the club/bar was the right thing to do – I feel that I made the right decision.
Final thought: If we had looked at the weather radar before heading out for the race we probably would have seen what was coming our way.