Help en route for Golden Globe skipper

(April 11, 2023) – One day after Ian Herbert Jones (GBR) required rescue in the Golden Globe Race, a multi-agency effort has been underway which anticipates help to arrive today by 1700 UTC. Jones was northeast of Cape Horn when he became overwhelmed in a massive storm which rolled his boat, broke his mast, and incurred a head gash and back injury.

While the GGR Crisis Management Team (CMT) kept Jones informed of the developments in his rescue throughout the night, they were not receiving response and updates. However, he was manually activating the “acknowledgment” button on his YB3 device, meaning he was conscious and informed of the latest developments, even if physically diminished.

At 0647 UTC today, GGR had confirmation from SAR Puerto Belgrano that a Taiwanese fishing vessel, the ZI DA WANG, was 90 miles away from Jones and had been diverted to his position with an ETA at 1900 UTC today, earlier than the Fisheries Patrol boat Lilibet which was 300 miles to his South and would not arrive until tomorrow.

At 0842 UTC, Jones sent a message through his YB3 positioning and texting device: “ALL RECD THKU! OK HERE TOUGH NIGHT TRYING2STAYWARM,” shortly followed by another message at 0852, “GRT NEWS REF FISHING BOAT WAITING 4 FIRST LIGHT 2 CLEAR RIG.”

From this moment on, the GGR team knew that he was able, active in his own rescue, and aware of the effort taking place coordinated by the SAR Puerto Belgrano in Argentina, the MRCC Taiwan, as well as ETAs for the ship’s arrival on his position.

At 0845 UTC, GGR contacted the SAR Puerto Belgrano in charge of the rescue coordination to share the news about Jones. The Officer in Charge informed that a second fishing vessel the Taiwanese flagged FADACAI had been contacted and changed course towards his Tradewind 35 Puffin with a 1700 UTC ETA today.

Additionally, they informed the GGR that the British Ship Lilibet had been released from rescue operations due to adverse weather conditions and late ETA. The Lilibet at the time was still en route towards Puffin, but later stood down and is no longer involved in the rescue.

At 1010 UTC, Jones called the GGR from his satellite phone, confirming he had received messages and had rested. He took Ibuprofen last night from his medical kit and his back was mobile. He confirmed he is able to work on deck and can climb a ladder if needed. To listen to his call, click here.

Weather moderated significantly for Jones, now observed to be a 4 to 5 meter sea and 25-30 knot wind. Puffin’s mast is still over the side, but not banging too much on the hull. The boom is secured onboard, and there is no more water ingress in the boat from his broken cabin hatch. He has power for communication including VHF, sat phone, and YB3 while AIS is on and transmitting. He will test the motor later today to check if it is operational for rescue.

“We’re all hands on deck obviously thinking of IAN and grateful for the international efforts to assist him,” reports Don McIntyre, GGR Founder and Chairman. “Fortunately the situation has improved dramatically for several reasons: first Ian is able and active in his rescue, secondly, the weather conditions at Puffin have improved a lot facilitating the possibility of a transfer operation, which will still be challenging and the final decision is with the master of the fishing vessels.”

The GGR acknowledges the work by CROSS Griz-Nez, UK Maritime and CoastGuard Agency, and in particular SAR Puerto Belgrano in Argentina who has worked tirelessly to contact vessels in Puffin’s vicinity, as well as the MRCC Taiwan for their coordination and cooperation in Ian’s rescue, as well as the Masters and crews of the Lilibet, the M/V Da Zi Wang, and the Fa Da Cai and Yuh Shenh N°1 for perpetuating the tradition of the sea in very adverse conditions.

Event details – Entry list – Tracker – Facebook

Finish times will be adjusted as race organizers have issued credit for helping with the rescue of Tapio Lehtinen:
• Kirsten Neuschäfer: 35 hours + 30 litres of fuel
• Abhilash Tomy: 12hrs

2022 GGR Class:
1. Kirsten Neuschäfer (39) / South Africa / Cape George 36 – “MINNEHAHA”
2. Abhilash Tomy (43) / India / Rustler 36 – “BAYANAT”
3. Michael Guggenberger (44) / Austria / Biscay 36 – “NURI”

2022 GGR Chichester Class:*
1. Simon Curwen (63) / UK / Biscay 36 – “CLARA” (will stop to repair windvane)
2. Jeremy Bagshaw (59) / South Africa / OE32 – “OLLEANNA” (stopped in Hobart to clean hull)
* Competitors shift to this class by making one stop.

Retired
Edward Walentynowicz (68) / Canada / Rustler 36 (dropped out, Sept. 8)
Guy deBoer (66) / USA / Tashiba 36 (ran aground, Sept. 16)
Mark Sinclair (63) / Australia / Lello 34 (retired in Lanzarote, Sept. 22)
Pat Lawless (66) / Ireland / Saga 36 (retired in Cape Town, Nov. 9)
Damien Guillou (39) / France / Rustler 36 (retired in Cape Town, Nov. 14)
Ertan Beskardes (60) / UK / Rustler 36 (retired in Cape Town, Nov. 16)
Tapio Lehtinen (64) / Finland / Gaia 36 Masthead sloop (sank off Cape Town, Nov. 18)
Arnaud Gaist (50) / France / BARBICAN 33 MKII-long keel version (retired near Saint Helena, Dec. 9)
Elliott Smith (27) / USA / Gale Force 34 (retired, Dec. 20)
Guy Waites (54) / UK / Tradewind 35 (stopped in Cape Town to clean/paint hull; retired in Hobart after losing his liferaft, Feb. 10)
Ian Herbert Jones (52) / UK / Tradewind 35 – “PUFFIN” (rolled/dismasted northeast of Cape Horn, April 10)

About the 2022 Golden Globe Race
On September 4, 2022, the third edition of the Golden Globe Race started from Les Sables d’Olonne, France. Sixteen skippers will face eight months of isolation sailing 30,000 miles before finishing in Les Sables d’Olonne. Along the route there are several marks of the course and media requirements.

In 1968, while man was preparing to take his first steps on the moon, a mild mannered and modest young man was setting out on his own record breaking voyage of discovery. He had entered the original Golden Globe. Nine men started that first solo non-stop sailing race around the World. Only one finished. He was 29 year old Sir Robin Knox Johnston. History was made. Navigating only with a sextant, paper charts and an accurate and reliable time piece, Sir Robin navigated around the world.

In 2018, to celebrate 50 years since that first record breaking achievement, the Golden Globe Race was resurrected. It instantly gained traction with adventurers, captivated by the spirit and opportunity. Eighteen started with five finishers.

To embrace the original race, competitors must sail in production boats between 32 and 36 feet overall and designed prior to 1988 that have a full-length keel with rudder attached to their trailing edge. Additionally, sailors have limited communication equipment and can use only sextants, paper charts, wind up clocks, and cassette tapes for music.

Source: GGR