Finally read "Berserk in the Antarctic"

[Vega1447]

A much better read than I initially thought it would be.
First Chapter was a bit dull.

The personality clash with the "Third Man" Manuel rang true and the
story of the cruise South and back was well told imho.

I was struck by the fact that there was no gear failure apart from
wind vane steering breaking when hit by a wave (?) and a halyard fraying.
(And a window stove in by the dinghy when it came loose.)

For many days of survival sailing, not bad.

A tribute to the Vega's build quality - despite the author referring
to the Vega as a "lake boat"....John

Vega 1447 Breakaway

 

[baviaan69]

I seem to recall that the Berserk finally sank...

 

[Vega1447]

Yes,
that was mentioned at the end of the book but (if I remember correctly)
that was due to a collision in harbour?

It certainly didn't happen during the Antarctic voyage.

John
Wolfgang said in an email sent on 12/04/06 11:26 that:

 

[xxxblister]

I didn't read the book but I seem to recall from their website that
they froze in and had to be airlifted off the boat which then sank
after being crushed by the ice, no?

 

[cdktks]

No

 

[tom_rutter]

They hit something off the coast of Argentina (a submerged container was
suggested). He got to shore in his dinghy. This wasn't part of the
antarctica trip, it was just after the refit following the trip. Just goes
to show, it can happen any time!

In the book they had lots of problems with the ice - having to shepard large
lumps past the hull every night whilst at anchor - but they were lucky never
to get stuck, as I shouldn't think that the hull would've lasted that long.

Tom

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi

No Berserk made it to Antartica and back to Chile. She then sank after
hitting a container on her way to South Africa. See the video, DVD or
read the book, all great. Gives an insight into the strength and
durability of the Vega.

Steve Birch (Technical)

 

[gfloderus]

This was a nice subject. I like when people are engaged in details.
Here is the link to the guys on "Berserk" even if you can´t find all details
about the accident.
I guess there will be some notes about the real position of Peninsula
Valdez.

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