Golden Globe 2022 Race entrant Guy de Boer from the USA has crashed into rocks on the north coast of Fuerteventura, Las Palmas in the Canaries, just hours after crossing a race checkpoint in the islands.

Published 2 years ago

According to a report on the Golden Globe Race (GGR) website, Guy’s yacht “Spirit”, a Tashiba 36, had run aground on the North coast of Fuerteventura, just 10 miles from the Lanzarote Marina Rubicon film drop gate he had passed a few hours before. He had activated his EPIRB and called the GGR Race control on his Sat phone.

“Spirit” was sitting on rocks, away from the beach, tilting 45° and being pounded by heavy seas. The surf was pushing her slowly forward over the rocks. Guy was in constant contact with Salvamento Maritimo, the local Rescue Coordination Center and GGR Race Control and had his life raft ready, but decided to remain inside Spirit, which was holding up. He planned to wait for daylight since he could not see the coast. The conditions for a safe use of the life raft, or exit onto the rocks beaten by the surf, were not right.

At 04:10 UTC the MRCC Las Palmas informed GGR Control that first responders were on the beach, 50m from the boat sitting on the bedrock. Conditions were difficult and Guy decided not to evacuate the yacht. At 04:36 UTC Guy finally abandoned his yacht by foot, greatly assisted by the local police and firefighters. A Government salvage tow boat was already en route towards them. Guy was taken to a local hotel without injuries.

Following an early morning Government assessment, it was considered too difficult to tow Spirit back to sea at high water. The authorities decided to pump all fuel from the boat to avoid a potential spill and are now working with Guy de Boer’s team and an insurance company on salvaging the Tashiba 36 with the least environmental impact. The area is a popular tourist surfing spot.

About the Race

Like the original event in 1968/69, the 2022 Golden Globe Race is very simple. Competitors departed from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France on September 4th, 2022 and will sail solo, non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Les Sables-d’Olonne.

Entrants are limited to sailing similar yachts and equipment to what was available in that first race. That means sailing without modern technology or the benefit of satellite-based navigation aids.

Competitors must sail in production boats between 32ft and 36ft overall (9.75 – 10.97m) designed prior to 1988, that have a full-length keel with rudder attached to their trailing edge.

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Related News:

GGR Entrant Guy de Boer runs onto Rocks (GGR Race website)

Guy de Boer hits rocks in Golden Globe Race (Sailweb.uk)

Related Links:

Golden Globe Race Website

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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.