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Rambler 100’s Capsize

George David's Rambler 100 capsized during the Rolex Fastnet Race in August after its keel snapped off. Fortunately, the entire crew was rescued safely after the harrowing incident. Web extra from our November 2011 issue. Find out more at the Fastnet Race's website.
  • Updated: October 21, 2011

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Rambler 100 at the start of the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race. ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi

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Rambler 100 rounds Fastnet Rock. ROLEX/Daniel Forster

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Rambler 100 capsized on Monday, August 15, after its keel fell off. The team had just rounded Fastnet Rock in the Irish Sea. ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi

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Mick Harvey, Project Manager of Rambler 100, stated in a press release, “Soon after rounding the Fastnet Rock, the wind went southwest, right on the nose. We were beating into big seas, launching Rambler off the top of full size waves. I was down below with navigator, Peter Isler when we heard the sickening sound of the keel breaking off. It was instantaneous; there was no time to react. The boat turned turtle, just like a dinghy capsizing. Peter Isler issued a Mayday and we got out of there as quickly as we could.” ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi

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According to the Fastnet Race website, the Valencia Coast Guard diverted a local fishing boat to help rescue five of the crew that had been swept away by waves. ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi

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Sixteen of the crew were rescued from the overturned hull. ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi

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Carlo Borlenghi/Rolex

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ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi

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George David, owner of Rambler 100. ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi

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Eddie Warden Owen, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, received the call from Mick Harvey at midnight, Monday 15 August. ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi
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