Missing yachtsman off Arran

Kilbrannan sound, particularly the N end can act as a wind funnel focussing the wind quite a bit. I presume the guy was single-handed. Not much hope now I guess as he will have been in the water for up to 20 hours by the time daylight returns. A salutory lesson for us all.
 
A good friends' boat was, a couple of owners before he bought her, found drifting; the singlehander skipper was never found.

My chum doesn't know about that, it might not bother him but I decided not to mention it when I found out - he doesn't read these forums.

I managed to go overboard for the first time in 40 years last summer, transferring from boat to tender; even on the mooring it was a real struggle for a chum to get me back aboard, despite boom rigged as a derrick, released lifelines & my wearing a lifejacket/ harness.

It turned out 4 other people at the club had done the same, one was in a wide part of the harbour in January and only survived by a miracle, a passing marina work boat spotted him just as he was going under.

Since then I always hook on to central harness points whenever going on deck singlehanding, whatever the weather.
 
Just to update, the local radio news still not releasing any names or details of where the yacht originated from....however whilst on duty yesterday afternoon ( Air Traffic Control) I was advised that the Rescue helicopter "Rescue 177" from Prestwick was carrying out SAROPS (Search and Rescue Operations) in the Lochranza area of Arran.

The local news is saying the yachtsman was last seen ashore early afternoon, so it is possible that the yacht was Lochranza based.

Pretty fresh morning up here today with stiff westerly breeze.



Just seen this update.....
http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/search_fails_to_find_missing_yachtsman_1_2064254
 
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The locals will know him - you can't stay on that pontoon for four days and avoid contact of some sort. We were moved to a buoy after one night, and we were in distress recovery at the time.
No matter, it's a catastrophe for his family and friends.
 
The locals will know him - you can't stay on that pontoon for four days and avoid contact of some sort. We were moved to a buoy after one night, and we were in distress recovery at the time.
No matter, it's a catastrophe for his family and friends.

Agree with that. I'm surprised he was 4 days on the pontoon, normally as soon as you land there is someone there to tell you can't stay.
Sad story and it looks like the search is called off. Still surprised very few details released yet.
 
The 'someone' is generally the owner of the B&B at the top of the pontoon. She has absolutely nothing to do with the pontoon and may be ignored!

I suppose in a small community like that they all like to think they have something to do with the pontoon. I know it's run by the Lochranza and Catacol sea Society What I cant understand is how they can ask for a charge for moorings that are laid and maintained by the council.
 
I suppose in a small community like that they all like to think they have something to do with the pontoon. I know it's run by the Lochranza and Catacol sea Society What I cant understand is how they can ask for a charge for moorings that are laid and maintained by the council.

"The Pontoon is owned and maintained by the Lochranza and Catacol Sea Society (LCCS). We are a not for profit Community Interest Company which relies entirely on donations. LCSS also collects donations on behalf of North Ayrshire Council for the blue public moorings provided in the loch."
 
I feel for his family - this must be an awful time for them.

Cena (unless there is another yacht of the same name) is a 24.5 ft Hillyard, built in Littlehampton in 1955 for my grandfather. He fitted her out himself. She had two cylinder 8HP Stuart Turner petrol engine. The name Cena was derived from the first and last letters of his and his second wife's first names, Clive and Nora. Cena was the first boat I sailed that had a cabin, and I was totally smitten.

Clive commissioned her with a view to single-handed sailing in the Solent, for which she was perfect. He did however discover that he was unable to get back on board when he fell overboard, and was lucky that a passing yacht spotted his plight.

The first photo, taken in 1959, shows my elder brother at the helm.

CenaGavinandPa1959.jpg



CenaCliveathelm012.jpg
 
Small world. I remember my Dad and I seeing Cena in Tarbert maybe 25 years ago. He remembered her belonging to his Grandfather and sailing on her (he is a cousin of Danny Jo). Thoughts go out to the family.
 
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