What would you do??

photodog

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Have not heard much about what has happened with the Biscay triangle lot,

Sat on a pontoon last Friday with one of them in Falmouth, and heard their story...

Apparently at the breifing before departure the organisers said the weather was going to be F5/6 and should present no problems, (This was last Wed/Thurs, I gather) despite the very poor weather that was occuring at this time.

Now the person I was speaking too had done some looking at weather, and they had come back with a F9 forecast, which they would not have gone out in, however they were assured that it would only be f5 or so,, so they went.

out of 18 signed up apparently 13 started.

By the time they were south of Falmouth conditions were exactly as the sailor had predicted, ie F9, and they were in the stuck.

So they, and nearly all the others, diverted up to Falmouth, end of cruise. They thought that maybe only 3/4 others were going on.

Anyways.... the sailor was Very Angry, they had been "talked into" going by the organisers, who they were looking to for guidance. They joined the rally because of their desire for a safe assisted passage.

Should they have dropped out before departure?

Would you have followed your own weather forecast, or listened to the organisers experts?

The people on this particular boat had a Very Bad Time, with the skipper being seasick, and a very inexperienced crew.

are in fact the organisers negligent? Should they had had a more balanced look at the forecast, instead of (Apparently) relying on one model?

Anyone here any other comments on the Rally?
 

flaming

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Exactly.

If there was any doubt over the forecast I would be looking for second, third and fourth opinions. Then it's just a case of which forecast you trust the most, and are you prepared to accept that they might be wrong?
This sounds like a very good example of when the "speak to a forecaster" service that the met offer would have been well worth the cash.
 

CliveSmith

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As has been said before it was his decision to go. Perhaps he should have had the balls to stand up and question things at the time. If he had doubts, you can be assured that others too were concerned.

No-one to blame but himself. Just because an event is organised and goes ahead that doesn't imply that it's safe for everyone.
 

Dyflin

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Agree 100%, skippers call.

I would always check more weather sources if conflicting figures were being talked about.
 

zefender

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I agree it is of course the skipper's responsibility whether or not to go to sea. However, the Bluewater rally website list the Biscay triangle as..

"The Yachting Monthly Biscay Triangle is an annual 3-week cruising rally for yachtsmen wishing to experience a long-range cruise in company. The Rally provides camaraderie and professional support and will benefit both experienced long-distance cruising yachtsmen and those wishing to extend their sailing experience in a fully-supported, club-style cruising event. "

So it does imply a certain level of inexperience of skippers. As such, I would have thought that the organisers should have erred on the side of caution and it seems strange that they didn't even mention any conflicting forecasts.

Mind you, if I worked out my own forecast and found it to be F8 or above, I think I'd need a hell of a lot of convincing to leave.
 

cliff

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100% behind you on that one. Skipper is responsible for the safety of his vessel and crew and has final say to go or not to go. If I thought the conditions would be a little extreme I would give serious consideration to the safety of my crew and the vessel first and foremost. For me sailing should be fun (most of the time) but IMHO it is irresponsible to knowingly endanger the crew or vessel based on someone else's opinion if the skipper's opinion was different - If in doubt - don't!.

I think the majority of forumites have been "caught out" once or twice by the weather but by luck, chance, seamanship, experience, stiff upper lip or whatever, survived to tell the tale (or not tell it out of embarrassment for being caught out), BUT, I feel the majority would trust their own judgment and stay put in the above situation on the grounds of common sense, gut feeling or simply they have nothing to prove anymore - "been there, done that, got the scars to prove it" so to speak.

I have been in the situation where conditions have not been favourable and have been stuck with the decision to stay put (poor anchorage with little shelter, but tolerable) or make a run for good shelter but have to deal with much worse conditions (still safely achievable but not a comfortable crossing) - crew's input required at that point - stay put and suffer an extremely uncomfortable night at anchor or suffer a few hours rough weather to reach a "safe haven" - final decision rests with the skipper but many factors must be considered - especially the crew's capabilities and/or condition at the time.

Sorry, but IMHO the sea is not something to be played with - contrary to a few people's belief.

In answer to the original question, I would have stayed put if my opinion was the weather conditions would not be conducive to a safe passage - irrespective of what some "organiser" said.

Bottom line is, if I (as Skipper) or my crew is not happy with forecast conditions I don't go - there is always tomorrow..... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
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Genoa

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If you listen to the morning shipping forecast and it says F4-5 for the next 3 days and the weather outside is currently a F6-7 and you have a 48hour trip, you are on a solid 36footer and you have a crew who have experienced a similar trip before - but maybe only 24 hours, what's you call?

The thing here is, the reputable forecaster used for the content of the briefing was supported by other forecasts at the time. We all know that regardless of a FORECAST Biscay can go wild. If you are going to do a trip like this, be prepared, so I don't think the decision to go was wrong, I question the state of preparation for those that bailed. Often you get caught. On a trip like this you have to be self sufficient because you don't know what will have 3 days in almost regardless of the forecast. Having done Biscay a few times I can vouch for the variation that occurs that does not get into the forecast!!
 

Bav34

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Hey Fireball !!! Not if it's a French Marina throwing you out!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 

TradewindSailor

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This sort of thing is getting way to common.

A few years ago the ARC left the Canaries in front of two or three significant depressions .... if I remember rightly. I was down there at the time, taking no part in the ARC. There is no way that I would leave harbour with that sort of weather forcast ...... and by all accounts the fleet got clobbered.

The yachts join the ARC and the Blue Water Rally usually because they are novices and like the security of the fleet. THERE IS NO SECURITY ..... WHEN YOU LEAVE THE DOCK YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN!!!!!

IT IS ALWAYS THE CAPTAIN'S DECISION AND RESPONSIBILITY. If he's not experienced enough he/she shouldn't go ..... period.
 
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