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Umiko - UMIKO Arc Blog Day 11 (Brian Blog)



Dear Umiko fans,

I hope this finds you well. We are currently broad reaching along in classic trade wind conditions with a lovely half moon to guide our way.

It has been an eventful 24 hours. Yesterday after a cracking kite run where Nico set the record of 22kts boat speed we decided that discretion was the better part of valor and elected to drop the kite as the conditions were getting challenging. Earlier our new mast lock had failed to engage so we were on a "normal" stbd spinnaker halyard (having dropped repacked and re hoisted the kite) When we came to drop the kite would not come down. The cover had chaffed and parted from the core. This then bundled up and got stuck in the mast. We had set up for a "letterbox" drop and because of this the kite was protected behind the main. We managed to get a few sail ties around it while we worked on freeing the halyard. Eventually it was freed and the kite came down fully intact.

As part of our plan to get a good vmg without the kite we briefed putting up the spinnaker pole to pole out a headsail. Soon this was hoisted and we were sailing along wing in wing with a poled out jib and a prevented main. This was done in day light to give all the helms a chance to experience the new set up before dark.

At about 0100 UTC-3 boat time we inadvertently gybed. The preventer initially held for quite some time. Barry went to ease it off and get the main safely across the boat. Unfortunately as he was crossing the main track to do this the preventer gave way and he was struck by the main sheet.

Once on deck I stabilised the yacht on the new gybe before making the area safe to look after Barry. Thankfully once the situation was under control, Barry checked over, the appropriate shore side contacts notified I can report that Barry is in pain but OK. We are still making our way to Rodney Bay.

The team have pulled together to make sure Barry is as comfortable as possible while looking after and fixing the parts of the yacht that required it. They really pulled together. I am thankful that Barry is OK and will heal in time.

Below is a blog from Brian about the incident.

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SV Umiko, Atlantic Ocean, circa 650 miles from San Lucia

Unfortunately I have to report that the mood on Umiko has changed.

Our mission has morphed from a race to San Lucia to something much less frivolous.

The new requirement is to get one of our number safe and sound to where he can receive appropriate medical attention. We are, as a crew, if anything, more resolute.
Yesterday we made the decision to put the kites away and opt for the more conservative option of sailing under a main and poled out headsail. Notwithstanding this decision, during the night we suffered an inadvertant and unintentional gybe. Any sailor will know that this is not a pleasant occurance on any boat, but on a boat the size of Umiko it is nothing short of terrifying. Baz was attempting to mitigate the situation when the gybe unleashed its full force and unfortunately he took the brunt of it. He has sustained injuries to his arm and ribs. At this point, coming up to 18 hours since the incident he appears stable. He is being very stoic but it is clear that he remains in a lot of pain. We have been in contact with medical experts ashore and they have advised us as to the best course of action. Two of our number, one from each watch, are now keeping an eye on him round the clock. The boat itself sustained some damage, all has been fixed apart from some cosmetics. We are continuing to San Lucia as it is the closest and best option to get Baz to a hospital. We may cross the finish line but until we have delivered our crew mate to terra firma nobody is going to consider this race run. This is a stark reminder that ocean racing carries real and present danger and when things go wrong you can only rely on those around you. Once again I feel privileged to be a part of this crew. We have pulled together and under expert leadership we are making the best we can of a bad situation. The weather forecast suggests we will arrive in San Lucia within the next three days.

It cannot come soon enough.

Signing off: Brian. SV Umiko

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