Aussie Out the Gate

October 30, 2012

Great Pumpkin pursuit race competitors who left their VHF radios tuned to the event's assigned channel heard a call from the Synergy 1000 Sapphire, which had spotted a capsized Aussie 18, presumed to be with the regatta, which had turtled and was quickly flowing out the Gate along with the full moon-fueled ebb tide. The Richmond YC race committee responded by sending their biggest, fastest crash boat out to investigate.

The four crew stuck together. ©2012 Steve Holloway

"After capsizing while rounding Angel Island during Sunday's Great Pumpkin pursuit race," reports photographer Steve Holloway, who was aboard the crash boat, "this Aussie 18 was pushed through the Gate and out to sea by the tide. I was aboard Whaler 6 near the finish line when we were dispatched to investigate a report by the racing boat Sapphire that a small boat was overturned and being pushed out to open sea. We beat across the Bay and spotted the boat as we approached the Gate. Two Coast Guard vessels were on scene as well as another Zodiac. We stood by as the four crew finally managed to right the boat and sail back to Richmond YC. We shadowed them back to assure their safe return. The amazing young crew is worthy of respect for their knowledge and fortitude. A lesson in safety even in the most lighthearted regatta on the Bay."

Unlike Oracle Team USA 17, this 18-ft skiff survived her ordeal intact and carried her crew safely home. ©2012 Steve Holloway