Salvaging S/Y COLROS

[spritzer]

Re: Salvaging S/Y COLROS R.D.WHITTING

Robert.Whitting. Former owner of the yacht 'COLROS' for 28years. I for one think that colros should be salvaged, she was given another 40 years life after david had restored her to a better standard than when she was built. Was all his work in vain, i hope not, and if barbara is the new owner then its up to her.
On the question of a hazard to shipping what happened to seamanship in maintaining a proper watch.

 

[tcm]

agreed...but what\'s the correct thing to do?

Naturally, i agree with the general hope that colros can be saved.

But invoking colregs (as you did, with your mentioning of keeping a lookout) doesn't help the cause for leaving the boat to drift on - quite the reverse.

Colros itself -exactly as you mention- is now *not* keeping a lookout as required.

There is therefore perhaps even more of an argument that it should have been scuppered.

Perhaps, for example, those who boarded the vessel might be responsible for mounting a watch, there being nobody else on board?

Perhaps it was their duty to keep a lookout (and obey colregs) - or of course, scupper the boat...which ensures it won't break colregs but might break some other rules or laws. And a few hearts too - but is undoubtedly safer.

 

[Guest]

Re: agreed...but what\'s the correct thing to do?

[ QUOTE ]
Perhaps it was their duty to keep a lookout (and obey colregs) - or of course, scupper the boat...which ensures it won't break colregs but might break some other rules or laws. And a few hearts too - but is undoubtedly safer.

[/ QUOTE ]
The boat isn't breaching colregs by drifting. In fact boats can't breach colregs at all, or any other law for that matter, because they're boats not people, and objects can't breach laws.

There is no breach of colregs in the fact that she is drifting sadly unmanned.

 

[Cruiser2B]

Barbara,

Many years ago, my ship was exercising with an RN frigate. That frigate came upon a drifting yacht (presumably it had been stolen and abandoned by the thieves); anyway, they put a small crew on board with provisions and they sailed it to the BVIs for salvage. You could contact the RN, provide them with the information you have and ask that if they have any assets operating in the region, to keep an eye out for Colros. It's a long shot at best. Good luck.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Re: agreed...but what\'s the correct thing to do?

I generally agree that she would be better off scuppered, not only for the reasons stated but also because I can't imagine that anyone would wish to buy and sail her in the future.

 

[Guest]

Re: agreed...but what\'s the correct thing to do?

[ QUOTE ]
I can't imagine that anyone would wish to buy and sail her in the future.

[/ QUOTE ]
I think very many people would. It might put off some and/or depress the price a bit.

 

[BrendanS]

Re: agreed...but what\'s the correct thing to do?

David's own family might wish to retain ownership and sail it. And you have to remember, many purchasers don't read forums or have contacts, so may be completely unaware of the history. Even if they researched it, it would not necessarily put people off a well founded craft designed for blue water cruising.

 

[Barbara1116]

Re: Salvaging S/Y COLROS R.D.WHITTING

Thanks for all the feedback. I should clarify that the reason I want to salvage Colros is not to turn her into a museum but to sail her. She was not "only important to David" - she's important to me, too. It's true I don't sail ! (yet - am taking my first course in Aug) but my daughter does. I saw photos taken by the superyacht crew and she's in pretty good shape at the moment. Inside, she's as beautiful as the last time I saw her. As Robert Whitting says, David did a wonderful job of refurbishing her and sailed her for such a short time. If I can give her another chance I would love to do so. I don't anticipate that this will feel macabre or sad to me although I acknowledge I might be wrong but I'm willing to take that chance.

To recap your collective thoughts:

1. A few people have said that a small fishing boat in the vicinity is my best bet. Martin has put out the word on some ham radio nets and someone else suggested I try the Lloyds Open Forum - I'll try this.

2. The other suggestion is to estimate her landfall position. I will contact the NOAA, US Coastguard, Woods Holes Oceanographic Center, and the US Navy for any advice they can give me.

3. Someone here suggested the RN - do you mean the Canadian Royal Navy?

Thanks all,
Barbara

 

[Sixpence]

Re: Salvaging S/Y COLROS R.D.WHITTING

Hi Barbara , the RN is universally accepted as meaning the British Royal Navy but the US and Canadians could also help . I'll e mail a bit more ( been away for a few days )

 

[bluemoves]

Re: Salvaging S/Y COLROS R.D.WHITTING

If Colros continues to drift, and I hope she does, then she's heading your way. I agree with all you have said. It will be sad seeing her without David of course, but she's a super little boat. I grew very fond of her and know that she's great to sail. Hope you can get her to land safely.
Margaret xx

 

[Dave_Snelson]

And all I can say to that is "here, here"