Still Waiting in Bermuda

We’re still waiting in Bermuda as high wind weather systems roll in and out, watching boats arrive with damage and listening to stories of woe on the high seas over the VHF radio.

A friend of ours suffered severe rig damage about 200nm south of Bermuda so he was making way under engine. We were keeping in contact via SMS over satellite phone and had agreed to meet the boat with more fuel once it was about 30nm from Bermuda. Just before we departed on the fuel run, the rig completely failed and soon after they had transmission failure. The 2-man-crew ended up being rescued at sea by a 320-meter container ship. The ship generously towed the sailing vessel but then the tow broke so they were forced to abandon the boat at sea. Later that morning the guys arrived in Bermuda where they became our guests aboard Eve.

It’s been 4 days now and our guests remain in great spirits despite their terrible ordeal. The feeling of loss associated with having to abandon a boat that was a labor of love as well as one’s home and most of its contents must be devastating and overwhelming. I know I wouldn’t be able to deal with it as well as these guys seem to be.