OSTAR 2017 rescue

[Frank]

Seems 3 or 4 boats were dismasted or had other issues that led their crews to call for help. Winds were up in the 70's at times and seas in the 50ft range.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canadian-ships-dispatched-to-rescue-storm-battered-racing-yachts-1.3452296#

[Owly055]

Been following updates since early this morning.   One boat scuttled (Tamarind), and sailor (single hand) Melvyn Wheatley by Queen Mary II.  At least 6 ships including Navy and Coast Guard, Queen Mary II and two tankers, as well as a number of fixed wing aircraft including a P3 Orion and a C130 are on scene or rapidly approaching.   It's hardly  a Fastnet class situation, but an excellent reminder of what we can be faced with when far offshore.
     One lesson learned yet again is how destructive loose objects can be .   Wheatley's Tamarind suffered flooding after a piece of plywood flew through the air during a knockdown, knocking out a porthole.   Other lessons to come as the story unfolds.............

                                        H.W.