Dramatic scenes unfolded last Saturday during the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) on the yacht "Toutazimut". The 47-year-old Brit Phillip Hitchcock, who was sailing the Formosa 51 yacht from Las Palmas to St Lucia with his brother David (52), was probably thrown overboard by the main boom.
Although he was secured with a lifebelt, he was unable to climb back on board. His brother was also unable to rescue him in four metre swells and 30 knots of wind. By the time he had stopped the ship, his younger brother was already dead. The exact cause of death has not yet been determined.
The "Mekia", another yacht taking part in the ARC, is currently sailing alongside the "Toutazimut". As soon as the weather conditions allow, some sailors from the "Mekia" will go on board the accident yacht to support David Hitchcock and rescue Phillip, which has not yet been possible. The dead body of the Briton is still being dragged along on the lifeline.
Andrew Bishop, General Manager of the World Cruising Club, said in a press release today: "We are deeply saddened. We have informed the family and we will do everything possible to support them at this difficult time."
It is the first fatality in the 17-year history of the ARC, in which over 200 yachts are crossing the Atlantic again this year. Single-handed sailors are not permitted in this regatta. However, the number of two-man crews has increased in recent years. This year there were already 20 boats in the ARC fleet, each with only two crew members.
