What was the model the s/y that helped with the rescue of the Windigo near Tonga?

[Adrian_]

That's possible as well. From what I read, they were sleeping at the moment when the boat rolled (or more likelly was just knocked by a wave). Not sure if the information posted was correct, but I know for sure that in a very strong storm the last thing I'd want to do would be to leave everything unattended and go to bed.
However, without knowing from first hand account what actually happened here, I'd rather not start to blame the skipper or his female companion.

 

[BurnitBlue]

Personally I think the root problem in the tonga incident had more to do with the skipper than with the boat

My problem on long passages is the difficulty I have getting to sleep in a bunk. I have no problem falling asleep when I am on watch. Really weird. I spend three hours in the cockpit trying everything to stay awake. Then when its time for me to go below, I lie in my bunk, thinking about what the boat is up to. Eventually I do fall asleep but not deeply.

I am told it is because I don't want to lose control and that depends very much on the boat I am sailing. If I have total confidance in the boat I can let go sooner. Even if the weather is presently benign, it is important for me to know that the boat will handle a sudden squall that can arrive while I sleep. Therefore the bond between boat and skipper is very important when I am single-handed or two up. With a large crew it doesn't matter, I sleep like a Judge.

That is why I would never put myself in a such a lightweight boat as the Tonga Benny because I would be a wreck from fatigue and make wrong calls. It is basically a matter of confidance in the boat (for me) so the boat is more important than the skipper. The boat stays the same, it is the skipper that changes, gradually loses the edge due to fatigue (caused by a bad match between boat and skipper).

 

[estarzinger]

I'd rather not start to blame the skipper or his female companion.

Agreed. Not suggesting "blame", perhaps more a 'learning opportunity'. I do strongly believe that with different actions by the crew this incident, with this boat, would not have happened. But . . . none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes, especially when fatigued at sea.

We have friends who have cruised (successfully) all the high latitudes, North & South, in a Beneteau First 40. It would not be my 'ideal boat' for that task, but has done the job, and they all entail compromises.