RIG FAILURE
September 5, 2005
On Monday, September 5, while sailing with other tallships in the Santander
Regatta from Torquay, UK, to Santander, Spain, Pride II experience a
massive rig failure. While sailing in a localized squall, the bowsprit
cracked and broke at about half it's length. Since there are wire rope
stays from the bowsprit that secure the foremast, after five minutes in the
rough seas the foremast cracked off three feet above the deck The wire
rope stays that secure the foremast are also fixed to the mainmast, so it too
broke off under the strain of the sea swells about 25 feet above the deck.
Miraculously no one was injured in the incident, but Pride II is
completely dismasted. Fortunately, the crew was able to salvage all of the
sails and most of the rigging. Captain Miles was able to motor the vessel the 80
miles to Saint-Nazaire on the French coast of Biscay
Bay where the vessel is now moored while repair possibilities are being
evaluated. Below find pictures of the incident.
Sailing with the Fleet
Before the Incident
 
Monday, September 5, 2005
The Damage
 
The Crew
You can help rebuild PRIDE II with a contribution to
RAISE THE RIG
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