An Australian sailing team had organised Sydney Hobart Race when the rudder broke at a boat speed of 20 knots. Due to the adverse circumstances, the sailors were forced to abandon the yacht and were taken to nearby Flinders Island by the police. The "Huntress", however, was to spend another week as a ghost ship on the Tasman Sea.
First rescue attempt failed
After abandoning their yacht on 28 December, the crew informed both the race management and their insurance company. According to YACHT information, the insurance company immediately organised a prompt rescue of the yacht. Sydney 39CR endeavoured. However, the company commissioned was unable to tow the damaged sailing yacht. Instead, the attempt resulted in the mast breaking. Allegedly, it was a fisherman who attached the towline to the forestay. This apparently could not withstand the pulling force and the forestay broke, after which the mast came down from above.
A second salvage attempt promised to the insurance company was not carried out for reasons still to be clarified. As a result, another salvage company was commissioned on 4 January. However, due to the distance, this company arrived too late to prevent the stranding.
Team of experts on duty around the clock
This fundamentally changed the initial situation for the salvage of the "Huntress". Christmas Beach is one of the most remote beaches in Tasmania and is also firmly in the hands of the Aborigines. In order not to violate their rights, the salvage company commissioned to do the job had, according to its own statement, obtained the permission of both the indigenous community of Tasmania and the local community on Cape Barren Island in advance.
Using two boats, wedges and inflatable bags, the yacht was recovered from the beach as planned. The team worked around the clock at the weekend until the mastless yacht was successfully transferred to the Tasmanian mainland late on Sunday evening. In addition to a marine biologist, indigenous people were also involved in the rescue of the "Huntress", according to a statement from the specialised company.
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Meanwhile, the team expressed its relief on its social media channels and announced its intention to start the refit. Even though this could take several months, they are highly motivated. However, according to the insurer, the yacht was in surprisingly good condition, with only a few scratches apart from the lost rudder and the broken mast.
However, it is not yet known whether there will be a possible legal dispute with the Aborigines regarding the ownership of the yacht. What is clear, however, is that it will probably not be expensive for the owner himself - any costs would be covered by his liability insurance.
