Golden Globe: Rescue near for Goodall

(December 7, 2018; Day 160) – Following her dismasting on December 5, rescue efforts for Golden Globe Race skipper Susie Goodall are well underway.

The Hong Kong registered cargo ship MV Tian is now holding station within sight of the distressed British yachtswoman 2,000 miles west of Cape Horn with the rescue operation to commence at first light. Conditions have moderated and the seas have reduced to 3-4 metre swells.

Goodall is in radio contact with the ship and plans are being finalized to lift her from the deck of her yacht DHL Starlight using one of the ship’s deck cranes. She is well rested, having had 12 hours in her bunk, and been able to keep some water down.

UPDATE: The crew of the Hong Kong registered cargo ship MV Tian Fu has successfully rescued the distressed British yachtswoman Susie Goodall 2,000 miles west of Cape Horn. Goodall sent the text: 07 Dec 15:14 UTC: ON THE SHIP!!! Position: 45′ 10.711 S 121′ 40.157 W.

The ship is now bound bound for Modran, Argentina and expected to reach port on December 22 or 23.

Event details – Entry list – Tracker – Facebook

Background:
The 2018 Golden Globe Race started for 17 skippers from Les Sables d’Olonne on Sunday July 1, 2018, with the inaugural solo non-stop around the world yacht race expected to take 9-10 months to complete.

The event marks the 50th anniversary of the Sunday Times Golden Globe solo non-stop round the world race in 1968-69 when rules then allowed competitors to start from ports in northern France or UK between June 1st and October 31st.

A notable twist to the 2018 Golden Globe Race format is how entrants are restricted to using the same type of yachts and equipment that were available in that first race, with the premise being to keep the race within financial reach of every dreamer.

The rules allow for one breach of the strict solo, non-stop un-assisted circumnavigation without the aid of modern electronic navigation aids regulations that make this Race unique. However, those that do move down to the Chichester Class as if, like Sir Francis Chichester in 1966-67, they have made one stop during their solo circumnavigation.

Those who breach the rules for a second time are deemed to have retired from the GGR Event and the organisers have no responsibility or obligation to them.

Source: GGR