Visitor Comments

Date Comment Author Title Comment Blog
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 - 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 - 5:34pm 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 - 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
11/16/2010 - 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
11/15/2010 - 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
11/13/2010 - 3:48pm Bruce & Norma (Adventure) Bon Voyage Bon Voyage Paul & Monica! We'll be tracking your journey and waiting to hear all about it. Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/09/2010 - 4:56pm donnie ulmer just saying ahoy Just to let you know that I'am tracking you, have a great trip! Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/09/2010 - 1:21pm Larry & Bobbi Good luck on your journey. Glad to see you are off. Checked your position (off of Morehead City). Will follow your trip. Calm seas and fair winds (or whatever winds you sailors look for). ENJOY !!!!!!!!!!!!! Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/08/2010 - 10:28pm Collene & Alan (Mariah) So glad to see you've been able to begin

So glad to see you've been able to begin this journey! Have a terrific and safe time. Fair winds and following seas.

Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/08/2010 - 7:35pm mark bregel Hi Paul and Monica, I've been watching

Hi Paul and Monica, I've been watching your voyage, be safe it should get warmer everyday. Mark and Sharon(Xanadu)

Morty Meeting New Friends
11/08/2010 - 11:58am Jon R Bon Voyage! We'll be following your tracking map

Bon Voyage Paul & Monica! Have a fun and safe trip. I see the satellite tracking shows you are on your way. We'll be watching your progress.

Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/08/2010 - 10:25am Juan Have a safe journey Have a safe journey Friends,be carefull Leaving Hampton!!!!
11/07/2010 - 7:02am Gil & Linda Miller Bad News Hey guys, just read about the delay; tough break but weather wise. Keep your spirits up in anticipation of the adventure that awaits. We will be following on the site. Be safe & we wish you well. More Bad News
11/05/2010 - 11:47am Larry & Bobbi Sorry to hear about your delays

Sorry to hear about your delays but better safe than sorry with the weather. Saw on the cariba500 web site that some of the group went over to the Mariners' Museum. Did you get a chance to go? Bobbi and I (especially me with the Civil War interest) really enjoyed it. When we were there the scientists had drained the tank holding the Monitor's turret and were working on casting molds of the bolt patterns for the armor plating.

More Bad News