Visitor Comments

Datesort icon Comment Author Title Comment Blog
11/15/2010 - 10:31pm Jon R More Info On Rule 62 Tragedy

What a terrible tragedy for the folks on Rule 62, let's all pray that Laura will be found. Of course, as bad as I feel for them, my overwhelming feeling is one of relief that Monica and Paul are fine.

Googling for more information I found a sailing forum where there's some interesting information. Apparently the conditions in the Bahamas over the weekend were very bad. Those cuts entering the Bahamas were in 'rage' condition which happens when the currents are going one way and the swells and wind are going the opposite direction. Causes very turbulent water. A resident on the Bahamian island just south of where they sank said the conditions were the worst he's seen in ten years. The guy who was in charge of the 8 Caribbean 1500 boats that sailed directly to the Bahamas said that going through that cut in those conditions was 'impossible'.  We also don't know why they diverted to the Bahamas and what may have been wrong with the boat.

If you want to read more you can see the comment thread at Sailnet.

2 Days To Go And We Are Fine
11/16/2010 - 12:14pm Jon R Search For Laura Suspended

Tuesday, Nov 16, noon:  Steve Black, owner of Cruising Rally Association, has been notified by the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) today that “the conditions are not favorable for finding Laura Zekoll alive.” The search and rescue mission involving the US Coast Guard, the Bahamas Defense Force, BASRA, and local efforts since Saturday night has resulted in “no findings.” The US Coast Guard has suspended its activity. The BDF will suspend its activity today. BASRA will continue aerial surveys of the vessel and area.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura's friends and family as well as the crew of Rule 62.

Here's coverage by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

   Coast Guard ends search for missing Atlanta woman

   Atlanta woman, lost at sea, known for indefatigable spirit

Wed 11/17 - Here's a story and video from the Atlanta Fox station:

   Vigil Held For Atlanta Women Missing From Sailboat

Though details are still sketchy the best word now is that they diverted because the two ladies on the boat were both seasick and as they attempted to enter the cut into the Bahamas they were hit by a large wave, lost their mast, were swamped and then slammed onto the reef.

2 Days To Go And We Are Fine
11/17/2010 - 3:14pm Tom A. Hawk Congratulations We are so proud of you two. Tracy and have certainly been with you in spirit. .06 miles to go. Love you and miss you both. Congratulations on your epic adventure. More Bad News
11/17/2010 - 5:34pm Fred Chance Continue on to St.Martin

Just had a conversation with a boat 51 ft Benateau that was in the rally They got in on Tues. and left wed for St Martin. They are in Simpson Bay here (a beautiful anchorage) If you have the time try it -- It isn't that far. So glad to see you made it safely to your destination Wish I was there Fred

Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/17/2010 - 5:40pm Steve Alderfer (s/v knot @ work) CONGRATULATIONS !!!! WOW !! So glad you are safe and have arrived. Now to celebrate in Totola! More Bad News
11/17/2010 - 5:45pm Fred Chance Boat in St Martin

I will try and get the name of the 51 ft. Benateau that arrived here today They left a day early on the rally Said that wind was mostly on the stern and rarely over 20 to 25kn. I would have thought much stronger dueto THOMAS Have fun after the boat is cleaned up once again Would you have ever imagined how much salt could cover everything. Fred

Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/17/2010 - 10:17pm Mom WOOO HOOOO!!!

We are so excited that you made it safe and sound that we're celebrating with you. Jon started celebrating before I got home from work. Grandma was also happy to know you arrived. Can't wait to read and hear all about the passage.

Jon says: I did not start celebrating without Gayle.  I only opened, decanted, and tested the wine.  Okay, perhaps I tested a couple of times.  Anyway, congrats guys!

Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/18/2010 - 8:02am Bob&Cindi (Last Mango) CONGRATULATIONS So happy for you. Glad you arrived safely. Now let the celebrations begin. Hopefully we will celebrate with Dave & Nancy tonight at Lancaster Brewery. Can't wait to read all about your adventures. Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/18/2010 - 12:41pm Ray and Betty Congratulations Congratulations on a safe passage. Way to go! I can't wait to hear about all of your adventures. Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/18/2010 - 10:19pm Steve Allan missing crew from Rule 62 Paul and Monica, Glad you guys are okay; raise a glass for Laura for me when you get in to port. Steve sv Annie's Rose Maryland Marina 2 Days To Go And We Are Fine
11/19/2010 - 9:50am Steve and Barbara Congratulations Its great news that you have arrived safely ,now the celebrations can start .Well done guys !! Our thoughts are also with the Laura and that she is found safely . You have put so much time and effort into your goal of getting to BVIS ,and now it has paid off ! Cant wait for the detail !! 2 Days To Go And We Are Fine
11/19/2010 - 3:07pm Jeff and Christine Gormley Glad you're safe Congratulations on making it to your destination Paul and Monica! Quite an adventure! Can't wait to hear more stories - you've outdone yourselves with the website and blog. Prayers are with Rule 62 and crew members, for a safe return for all crew. Get some rest, and then let the rum flow. See you at MM in the spring. Chrisnjeff Day Five Of Our Voyage
11/19/2010 - 3:54pm Tom A. Hawk Nice Sunshine Wow A nice spinnaker it is. Very Very SWEET! Day Eight Of Our Voyage
11/19/2010 - 5:18pm Tom Schmidt - Narsilion Glad you are safe...! Hi Paul and Monica: Its Friday, November 19th - sipping scotch and reading you posts, very exciting and we are certainly envious. Very glad you are safe. How did the Monitor Vane work for you? Captain Tom Day Eight Of Our Voyage
11/19/2010 - 7:42pm Fred Chance Having fun yet So glad you are having good weather Hope you didn't get too beat up the first few days If it is any consolation it was cloudy, rainy, & windy in St.Martin 600 miles or more south of you Fred Day Seven Of Our Voyage