Joanna - Mid Atlantic fuel operation

Fuel shortages in the Atlantic send help!!

You could say crossing the Atlantic is like Groundhog Day - repetitive. Three weeks of a similar routine making use of the trade winds to propel you to the other side.

That’s probably true, but not today. Today we completed a mid-Atlantic fuel transfer using a dinghy in a big swell and 4 meter waves.

Take Off had a critical failure with their mast which meant it came down and had to be cut off. How unlucky that this happened but I’m sure we speak for everyone that we’re glad to hear there were no major injuries and everyone was okay. Hats off to the crew for successful dealing with the situation so swiftly, calmly and making the boat seaworthy again! No mast means no sailing and a long motor towards St. Lucia.

Sod’s law meant that it happened pretty much in the middle of the Atlantic meaning they need a lot of fuel (well over 1000L)…A request for fuel went out to nearby boats and the offers started pouring in. Seeing the generosity, kindness, and help which others offered was fantastic to see. Emails kept flooding in and it was hard to keep track of what was happening! This is a major benefit of the ARC and being able to sail with like minded sailors willing to go out of their way to help.

We offered 250L and also happened to have a portable fuel transfer pump which could be used by other boats to extract fuel from their main tanks and into jerrycans. It was also helpful that we were one of the closer boats so headed in their direction.

As we approached their location, we spotted a small orange sail bobbing up and down. It looked so out of place in the high seas but miraculously they’d managed to make a jury rig (very small) out of their spinnaker pole and were using a storm jib to help balance the boat and give them an extra knot or two. Pretty impressive given the circumstances.

Once we arrived, we dropped our dinghy and the whole crew helped with loading the fuel onboard - it was a great feat of teamwork. This was not easy in the waves so a great effort all round. Once loaded, two crew set off in the dinghy to begin the delivery operation. Within seconds of moving away from the Joanna, the dinghy shrunk as it was dwarfed by the high sea. Onboard the dinghy it was exhilarating to be so close to the sea but also slightly terrifying as the waves loomed down toward us.

The first stop was to another nearby boat, Salt, who needed our fuel pump to get their fuel out of their tanks. As we approached, we threw a line to the boat and attached ourselves. The height difference between the boat and the dinghy was intimidating especially as their boat rocked with the waves. We flung them the grab bag filled with the diesel pump and quickly sped off before we were crushed!

Next stop was Take Off which involved a rapid dinghy ride surfing the waves. We got soaked by the warm sea and were bounced around effortlessly like a little toy boat. It was exciting and the adrenaline was pumping - were we enjoying this a little too much? Probably.

When we arrived, we managed to attach the dinghy to their boat and began unloading the jerrycans. Good job we skipped Joanna’s early morning HIIT exercise class as lifting the 10 x 25L jerrycans up 1.5m from the dinghy to the deck in the large swell was a serious workout.

We can’t imagine the experience Take Off went through but wow, their spirits were high! It was amazing to see the smiles on their faces, gratitude for the help but also just to see some other humans not from our own boat. It made the beating and soaking we got from the high seas in the dinghy totally worth it. So did the chocolate they gave us as a thank you - very generous and delicious. We tucked in straight away.

We detached ourselves from their boat and headed back to trusty Joanna where the rest of the crew were ready on hand to get the dinghy back onboard. Once the dinghy was out, we put the spinnaker back up and headed onwards. It was certainly a change to our normal routine.

Before we left, we had a surprise call on the VHF from Take Off. Inés, one of the children from Take Off called, Inés (7) from Joanna to say thanks for a little care package (chocolates & some drawings) she and Vincent (4) had pulled together for them - a lovely way to depart ways!

We’re looking forward to catching up with Take Off or should we say Break Off (too soon?) in St Lucia and hearing all about their experience while we’re not being smashed against the side of their boat. It was great to play a small part in their journey across the Atlantic and see how individuals can come together to support each other in challenging times.
This was certainly a testament to the relevance and importance of the ARC.