Golden Globe skippers

During the current Golden Globe Race (GGR) alone, four yachts have been abandoned. Founder and chairman of the GGR, Don Mcintyre comments: “The GGR has no policy [on scuttling] as it is not our responsibility.”

“Each skipper is ultimately responsible for their yacht,” media co-ordinator Barry Pickthall explains. “GGR recommends that abandoned boats are scuttled but that is not always possible.” Solo skippers Gregor Mcguckin and Abhilash Tomy were both picked up by a French fisheries patrol vessel charged with protecting an international area of conservation surrounding the remote southern Indian Ocean islands of Amsterdam and St Paul.

“Gregor confirmed he was specifically instructed not to scuttle the boat by the master of the French fisheries patrol vessel because of the marine park, even though he wanted to and was about to,” says Mcintyre. “He is now involved with a salvage operation to recover his boat in the weeks ahead.”

Controlled evacuation

Neil O’hagen, spokesman for Mcguckin’s Team Ireland, put out this statement: ‘During the controlled evacuation of

Hanley Energy Endurance, Mcguckin was instructed to leave the vessel afloat... He removed all debris from the deck that could become separated, secured all equipment on board, and ensured the AIS beacon was active. The power source to the AIS device is solar panels, which should remain active without outside assistance, reducing the risk to other vessels. Precautionary steps were also taken to ensure the relatively small amount of fuel on board is secure.’

“Abhilash had no say,” Pickthall explains, referring to the injured Indian skipper who was rescued by the French patrol ship Osiris. “He was lifted out of his boat strapped to a stretcher, but I understand that the main hatch was left open, and with batteries drained, the automatic bilge