Ghost Ship

by Richard Ballantyne, July 17th, 2012

But this is no mystery.

The Bela Bartok, hailing from Royal Victoria Yacht Club boat, is a Vindo 40 competing in the Singlehanded Transpac Race. This race, from San Francisco to Kauai, started a few days ahead of the Vic Maui. Unfortunately, there was a medical emergency aboard, and the Skipper had to be taken off his boat for attention in Hawaii. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Now left to its own devices with the sails up and steering by windvane, the Bela Bartok is attempting to complete the trip on its own.

So on top of the extensive plastic debris, fish netting, sections of Japanese docks, and metal objects, the Bela Bartok has become yet another hazard to navigation which the fleet must look out for. Luckily the fleet leaders Double Take and Terremoto will likely pass to the east of the ghost ship; and a rescue boat should reach it sometime on Tuesday.

What next?

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