Nova Scotia Buzz
Early last week, the sailing yacht GUYOT environnement – Team Europe was in a race around the world when a dramatic turn for the worse happened in the North Atlantic, 600 nautical miles from the finish line in Newport, Rhode Island.
In the early hours and darkness of Tuesday, May 9, the yacht lost its mast in a heavy storm and extremely challenging seas. The crew was uninjured and secured the yacht by detaching large parts of the snapped rigging and sails.
When the weather calmed GUYOT environnement – Team Europe got the yacht underway by jury rig with remaining pieces of the mainsail and their small engine.
Halifax was the closest port and off they went with their makeshift sail and engine, but they would run out of fuel. A running engine was important to keep the instruments working and the cruising speed from dropping too low. A commercial ship passing nearby was radioed. They delivered the crew 150 litres of diesel so it was possible to reach Halifax, a journey that would take almost 5 days at a speed of only three to four knots.
The Arrival In Halifax
The scene on the Halifax waterfront when GUYOT environnement – Team Europe was cleared by Canadian customs and allowed to step ashore was heart warming. Hugs and tears were exchanged with their land crew who had pizza and cookies waiting for the sailors.
GUYOT environnement – Team Europe plans on repairing and sending their yacht to Europe via cargo ship in hopes of rejoining the race.
