Snap

BT Global Challenge winner Conrad Humphreys recounts the dismasting of his Open 40 in the Route du Rhum

Like Nick Moloney and Miranda Merron, BT Global Challenge winner Conrad Humphreys was using the Route du Rhum as a stepping stone towards the Vendee Globe. He had acquired the Dutch Open 40 Syllogic to take part and had managed to secure 11th hour sponsorship from Hellomoto. This boat first took part in Europe 1 New Man STAR in 2000 sailed by Pieter Adriaans and was notable for having a custom autopilot system developed using technology from the Eurofighter and a canting rig (this is now banned by the IMOCA class).

Disaster struck at midnight last Wednesday night when Hellomoto was dismasted. At the time she was at 48.52.00N, 8.04.00W about 250 nm from Brest, sailing westwards in 40 knots of breeze with waves of 25-33ft.

Conrad had just gone down below and on reflection he suspects the cause was a failure in one of the upper cap shrouds. However he cut away the rig to prevent damage to the hull and most of it went over the side.

Conrad takes up the story.

"Not three hours earlier, pressing on across the Continental shelf and out into the Atlantic, I had been talking to my shore team. I'd been telling them that although conditions were still horrendous, we were better placed than most to avoid the worst of the storm. Hellomotto was fully ballasted with 3 reefs in the main and storm jib. I remember feeling impressed at how well the B&G pilot was steering. [Adriaans' pilot system is still under development].

"Just before midnight, as I filled the kettle, there was a sudden jolt and an almighty crash from on deck - that unmistakable sound of splintering carbon. I instinctively knew the cause but rushed up on deck hoping against hope that I was wrong. But even in the darkness, there was no mistaking it - rigging and sailcloth everywhere, and no mast.

"Most of the rig was over the side, acting as a giant sea anchor and threatening to hole Hellomoto as she careered about on the waves. There was no time to wonder about what had happened - just cut the debris away and make the boat safe. Easier said than done, but it wasn't too long before I watched the rig and sails disappear beneath the waves.

"My first call was to race headquarters to let them know that I had been dismasted but that I was okay and intended to make my way back to Brest. And then the calls home to my shore team, in some ways the most difficult moment. The team had committed its all throughout a tough campaign to get me to the start line in a competitive and well prepared boat with a bunch of wonderful partners and supporters. They would all be gutted.

"But now I'm pressing on to Brest at up to 8 knots under jury rig, the boom converted to a mast. And unlike the one that it replaces, this one swivels as well as cants! How's that for continuous improvement guys!!

"In amongst the carnage, I do feel strangely philosophical about all this. Yes, I'm hugely disappointed. But in the scheme of things, these are the everyday risks of ocean racing. We did all that we could to prevent it but these things do still happen. Fortunately and with care, they don't happen too often. I and my team have been bloodied, but we have also learnt a massive amount from this experience. Far from being a setback, this will
stand us in good stead for the future."

He made Camaret-Sur-Mer in the mouth of Brest harbour at 1730 on Friday.

"I was astounded by the interest and level of support from the marina that had recently said goodbye to Bonduelle (60ft tri) just a few hours before. Having sailed jury rigged just under 250 miles from the centre of the storm that decimated the Route du Rhum fleet, the fact that I arrived tired and subdued to a small reception, a sandwich and the offer of a bed just completely blew me away.

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