"Up mast" rescue. Sydney - Hobart Race

[Robert Wilson]

Round the world Clipper Race dramatic rescue. Merchistonian Gavin Reid transferred to a rival boat to rescue a crew member stuck up the mast on The Sydney - Hobart leg.
Well done him, and I hope his boat gets the requested redress for assisting a fellow competitor.

Link here, I hope.

here

 

[DFL1010]

Well, close to.

It was during the delivery back from the Pittwater to Coffs race rather than during the Sydney to Hobart race. The boat in question, M3, later ended up on the beach and was then recovered.

More tragically, one sailor was lost after a MOB. The body was later recovered.


As to redress, that is beyond question. Clear R1 (and therefore R62.1(c)).

 

[Robert Wilson]

Thank you for that correction.
I posted after reading a Newsletter from my old school (Merchiston, Edinburgh). I shall contact the Editor to see if the article got it wrong (or possibly I read it incorrectly).

Tragic about the loss of life and M3 - neither were mentioned in the Newsletter. Again, I shall contact the Editor.

Also a pity about "no redress". Brave and selfless deeds deserve more than accolades and acclaim IMHO.

 

[DFL1010]

Here's the presser from the OA:

http://www.pittwatertocoffs.com.au/news-releases/163-press-release-on-yachting-incidents


As to redress, it almost certainly shall be granted (barring something non-obvious that would preclude it - I can't think of anything, but it is I suppose possible).
The slightly trickier part is working out how much to grant. That I shall happily leave to the Clipper PC. Alvi in the VOR being the most recent precedent on the matter.

 

[Robert Wilson]

I'm sorry. I read your final as a "no hope".

Thinks, "put brain in gear".

I wonder if some "national gong" might be forthcoming. Certainly beyond the call of normal duty for Gavin (or any crew member).

 

[DFL1010]

Yes, perhaps I wasn't as clear as I ought to have been (English is hard sometimes).

As to a 'gong', I'm not so sure. This to me is part and parcel of being at sea: if someone's in danger, you go to assist. Pete Goss got something from both HM and the French, but he also went upwind for a little while in the Southern Ocean.
But hey, this is a debate about morals and ethics (do we do the right thing because it is right, or because we reward it? If the former, are rewards necessary?) rather than racing.

Here's an apposite advert from the Whisky world - one of the few times sailing isn't a go-to rich aspiration thing:

 

[Robert Wilson]

Correct. We do the right thing for the right thing's sake.
But I'd like to think those who do, and put themselves in danger, get a big "pat on the back".

Chivalry ? Loyalty and Honour seems to be the modern take on the trait.

Those who put their lives on the line for the sake and safety of others do much more than behave honourable or loyally.
But I think I'm splitting hairs. Sorry.

I take my hat off to all​ who are brave.