Interesting how the oldie 42m "Sir Robert" 1957 build sailing yacht anchored just 315m ENE remained unaffected by this mighty nature event and motored its way to collect the survivors, bringing them to safety in that "hell of a weather".
This is a highly likely scenario in line with the recent interpretation of all lights observed turn-off (black-out) while the yacht still stable and upright, that clearly speaks of a rapid water ingress before the hull inclination (and eventually mast flat down) happened.
It tells us the initial water ingress may not have been a consequence of a stability loss & hull inclination (or mast-flat-down) to water scoop into the hull, but rather the opposite - first the rapid water ingress (possibly into the aft garage), then the inclination and foundering from the critical stability loss.
The initial stability loss likely started after the garage water ingress - from the water free surface negative effect on reducing the metacentric height (GM), where from dramatically reduced stability leading to the hull inclination and later foundering.
Most likely water may have found its way in (while the hull in an upright stable position) through a close-to-the-waterline opening (likely left open) into the lazarette compartment (the port quarter hatch or rather through the big aft garage door), flooding further into the ER/Generator for cutting the power off (black-out).
Let's add further stability reduction by hypothetically left up retractable keel after their recent marina stay.
Furthermore, still stands the question of what happened in the 16-minutes time span as per the AIS service records, which is a far more generous time span than the so far speculated "sunk in a minute" widely spread allegation. Why the 50% of the guests still remained unassisted and unsaved during this time?
"There was a great conference with the builder about what happened. Also. Survivors will tell the tale of what really happened which, according to the builder, the captain and crew did not follow procedure and used the excuse that they didn't know the storm was coming."
It will be interesting to read the transcript of that builder's conference. Do you have a link that makes it available? Thank you for reading and commenting.
In depths like that, a scope of 5 to 1, is generally considered adequate, depending on the weight of the chain and provided an all-chain rode is employed. Some large vessels use flexible wire cable in depths such as those, but I don't have any personal experience with cable rodes, so can't really say.
Couple of new factual points:
https://www.facebook.com/PeriniNaviOfficial/videos/483186997888230
Interesting how the oldie 42m "Sir Robert" 1957 build sailing yacht anchored just 315m ENE remained unaffected by this mighty nature event and motored its way to collect the survivors, bringing them to safety in that "hell of a weather".
UPDATE TO CONVERSATION: Designer/builder, Tad Roberts, takes up the question of watertight compartments in a Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/4Qhyao5n1AbfkQ6m/
This is a highly likely scenario in line with the recent interpretation of all lights observed turn-off (black-out) while the yacht still stable and upright, that clearly speaks of a rapid water ingress before the hull inclination (and eventually mast flat down) happened.
It tells us the initial water ingress may not have been a consequence of a stability loss & hull inclination (or mast-flat-down) to water scoop into the hull, but rather the opposite - first the rapid water ingress (possibly into the aft garage), then the inclination and foundering from the critical stability loss.
The initial stability loss likely started after the garage water ingress - from the water free surface negative effect on reducing the metacentric height (GM), where from dramatically reduced stability leading to the hull inclination and later foundering.
Most likely water may have found its way in (while the hull in an upright stable position) through a close-to-the-waterline opening (likely left open) into the lazarette compartment (the port quarter hatch or rather through the big aft garage door), flooding further into the ER/Generator for cutting the power off (black-out).
Let's add further stability reduction by hypothetically left up retractable keel after their recent marina stay.
Furthermore, still stands the question of what happened in the 16-minutes time span as per the AIS service records, which is a far more generous time span than the so far speculated "sunk in a minute" widely spread allegation. Why the 50% of the guests still remained unassisted and unsaved during this time?
https://www.ft.com/content/cb83948a-1447-4eb7-8c29-27d1c78b6c23?fbclid=IwY2xjawE4p7BleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXJfwdR3WW7Y3V8DQLmR4qha3tikaBqBISkD3cxudvSNYYHrAOw0HUc6nw_aem_Lobe5RcVRtP177tBcYbshA
Interesting comments, well worth detailed consideration.. Thank you.
From reader, Capt. Steve Russel:
"There was a great conference with the builder about what happened. Also. Survivors will tell the tale of what really happened which, according to the builder, the captain and crew did not follow procedure and used the excuse that they didn't know the storm was coming."
Capt. Steve Russell
USCG Masters 100ton, Towing, Sail/Aux, STCW, TWIC
US Coast Guard Veteran
Yacht Broker specializing in PowerCats
It will be interesting to read the transcript of that builder's conference. Do you have a link that makes it available? Thank you for reading and commenting.
A great analysis of the unfortunanate event.
Thanks Phil.
Thanks, Gary. Best to you and Rita. Let's talk soon, better yet meet halfway for dinner. Best.
Yachts anchor in 160 feet of water?? We would not consider such a depth. How much scope and weight of chain are required??
Big numbers! Please advise.
Being the Captain on a 50m Motor yacht, I have dropped anchor to 80m depth with a tested good holding grip, it's OK.
In depths like that, a scope of 5 to 1, is generally considered adequate, depending on the weight of the chain and provided an all-chain rode is employed. Some large vessels use flexible wire cable in depths such as those, but I don't have any personal experience with cable rodes, so can't really say.