March 7, 2024

Pen Duick VI man overboard crew recovered at McIntyre Ocean Race start

Pen Duick VI man overboard crew recovered at McIntyre Ocean Race start

Image: A challenging start to Leg 4 of Ocean Globe Race in Punta del Este. Credit:OGR2023/Aida Valceanu

 

At 17:17UTC, March 5th 2024, sailing vessel Maiden UK (03) made a radio call to the Ocean Globe Race control, reporting a Man Overboard from sailing vessel Pen Duick VI FR (14). Just 17 minutes prior to the call both yachts had crossed the start line on Leg 4 of the McIntyre Ocean Globe Race, from Punta Del Este Uruguay to Cowes UK.

The Prefecture was alerted to the call.

 

Skippered by Marie Tabarly, Pen Duick VI, surrounded by the 12 other yachts in the OGR fleet, stopped at 17:15 UTC, 1.25nm after the start line and .4nm off the headland. They recommenced racing at 17:20 UTC, immediately after the crew member was recovered. Crew onboard Pen Duick VI utilized their MOB recovery system to recover the man overboard, whose identity is still unknown. First mate Tom Napper signaled to Maiden’s media support rib that the crew member was OK.

 

Pen Duick VI, tweeted earlier today (6th March, 2024)

“All crew onboard is ok, just one a bit too eager who needed to cool down a bit. We picked him up very fast and were back ahead of our beloved t9 right after.”


Maiden had also launched a horseshoe buoy in the vicinity of Pen Duick VI after hearing the call, this was returned to Maiden by their media support boat shortly after.

 

OGR race control later requested confirmation of events from all entrants and Spirit of Helsinki FI (71) reconfirmed shortly after the MOB was from Pen Duick VI and the person concerned had been recovered.

 

In 15, gusting to 25 knots South Westerly headwinds and lumpy 3-4 meter swells the conditions were extremely challenging for the fleet as they set sail at the start of the Leg 4 of the round the world race.

 

Twelve crew are sailing onboard the 73-foot Bermudan Ketch Pen Duick VI, the largest yacht in the 13-strong OGR fleet. Built for the 1973 Whitbread Round the World Race, the legendary yacht has renowned sailing pedigree and is much revered in sailing circles. He took line honours in Leg 3, Auckland to Punta del Este and currently sits seventh in IRC ranking overall.

 

The fleet continues on route to Cowes.​​ The first yachts are expected across the Royal Yacht Squadron finish line approx April 9th/10th.