Here are images of the damage to “Beau Geste.” Taken from sailing Anarchy. Wow. We may eventually know what happened. I am wondering IF it is a transition area between high density and low density foam in the core?
BEAU GESTE
Tag: beau geste
UNDER THE HOOD
Beau Geste, Karl Kowk’s 80 foot Farr design has had a very ambitious campaign. Sailed hard and well. Yesterday she suffered a catastrophic failure of her hull while participating in the Auckland to Noumea race.
These kinds of events have attracted our attention since the beginning of sailing. Safety at sea has always been a priority; as it should be.
For me, I have always been intrigued by the solutions naval architects have arrived at for the structural integrity of yachts. No where do the words “Form Follows Function” have a more profound meaning. I am often surprised by the lack of what I consider common sense in structural design.
Only a few weeks ago “Belle Mente” had a similar problem; however it was during a shakedown sail, not while racing. One of the more public events have been “One Australia” during the America’s Cup in San Diego, which folded in half and sank. “Young America” folded but did not sink.
All safe after yacht abandons Noumea race
Published: 5:26AM Tuesday June 05, 2012 Source: ONE News
The Beau Geste. – Source: sailnoumea.com
A yacht is now safely anchored off Norfolk Island’s capital Kingston, after suffering hull and decking damage while taking part in the Auckland to Noumea yacht race.
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) mission co-ordinator Neville Blakemore said all 18 members of the crew were safe and in good spirits.
The 24-metre Beau Geste sought assistance from RCCNZ after it hit trouble around 7pm yesterday race around 185 kilometres (100 nautical miles) east of the island.
RCCNZ arranged for the yacht to be accompanied by the fishing vessel Advance 2 as it made its way to Norfolk Island.
“It would have been a long night for the crew, in difficult conditions, but the boat has made safe anchorage under its own power,” Blakemore said. “A support vessel was on hand throughout the night in case the crew had had to abandon ship.”
The yacht was equipped with two 10-man life rafts.
The crew is made up of New Zealanders, Australians, Chinese, with one American on board and all are described as experienced racers.
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A cargo ship, Winchester Strait, responded to the rescue call to nearby vessels and was making its way to the stricken yacht. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion was also on standby to assist if needed.
The official race website sailnoumea.com said that the Beau Geste withdrew from the Auckland to Noumea leg of Evolution Sails Sail Noumea at 8.20pm after suffering structural damage.