Our position 1608 UTC 3 28.N 46 23.W
Today at 7am when I went to check the email we had received mail from Eowyn that one of our boats from the fleet, Basia ,was transmitting a Mayday from their position. They said they had been dismasted and although the hull was intact there may be some damage and water leaking in. We immediately turned on the SSB and there was Graham from Eowyn speaking to the crew of Basia.
They had reported that they were hit by a freighter in the early am hours. All the crew was reported to be safe. Graham from Eowyn organized the whole rescue and assessment of damages and volunteering of fuel so they could safely get into the nearest harbor. Several of the fleet close to their position including Eowyn, Jeannius, Destiny, Arriane and Tucannon were offering to make a donation of fuel so Basia would have enough to safely get into harbor. Without their rigging, sailing would not be an option. Now Eowyn and Tucannon are together near Basia and shadowing them to the nearest port where they can go to be repaired and refueled.
All the members of the fleet expressed their concern and support would do anything to help this family who we have all come to care for. There is much to be said for doing this trip with the rally. I don't know what they would have done without such quick response.
When Crazy Horse had all our trouble with the engine going around the Cape of Good Hope Basia tried to stay in contact with us and offered assistance if necessary. Somehow having a fellow sailor from the fleet in contact and caring makes a lot of difference in attitude and hopefulness. So I know that Basia would be offering the help to others just as Tucannon Eowyn and the others are doing. I can't say enough about the camaraderie that we feel for each other in this fleet. When one boat goes down it is as though a family member is in trouble.
So our prayers go out to Basia today. Their spirits must be pretty good because I think I heard them saying they will fly to the party in Grenada if necessary. What a wonderful day that will be to see all the fleet safely in Grenada.
We sail along in Crazy Horse with 20-30kts of wind from the ESE. Our boat speed is 8.5-9.9. We have out the main with one reef and the jib with none. With this wind and boat speed we are keeping our timeline to Grenada within reason. The fleet is still reporting the squalls in the area and there is still the threat of rain with the many passing clouds.
Rosemary, Bill and Matt