New podcast episode: YACHT editor-in-chief Martin Hager on the sinking of the "Bayesian"
Leonie Meyer
· 23.05.2025
The sinking of the 56-metre-long sailing yacht "Bayesian" caused a worldwide sensation. The accident claimed the lives of seven people, including British tech billionaire Mike Lynch and his daughter.
In this episode, Martin Hager describes how the investigation report by the British Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) meticulously reconstructed the events on board. It also looks at the special technical features of the "Bayesian": How can the low capsize angle (point of no return) be explained compared to other modern sailing yachts? And what role did the nearby ship "Sir Robert Baden Powell" play? You will find answers to these and other questions.
Weather phenomena in the Mediterranean
A key topic is the role of the violent thunderstorm that hit the yacht. Martin Hager explains how so-called "cold drops" - gota fria - can cause sudden, violent thunderstorm cells. These weather phenomena, which occur in the Mediterranean at certain times of the year, are a serious danger for skippers. The example of the "Bayesian" also raises questions about safety precautions: How can you be prepared in such extreme conditions?
Safety on board the "Bayesian"
Another aspect that is addressed is the construction of the sailing yacht, in particular the centreboard and keel. Construction and stability play a decisive role here, providing indications of potential weak points in the investigation report.
Nevertheless, according to the MAIB report, unpredictable weather, ship design and responsiveness all had to be taken into account. The crew had shown professional operational readiness. Nevertheless, Martin Hager makes it clear that a factual analysis is necessary in order to correctly understand and shed light on the causes. This episode serves to categorise the findings of the first investigation report.
You can listen to the YACHT podcast with Martin Hager here
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