S/V Raw Faith In Trouble Once Again

[jfmid]

So sad all around. It appears that McKay's incompetence, ego and arrogance outstripped his good intentions. I'm just a raw newbie but even I can see that this was a disaster averted. It's a shame that he couldn't work with others who would have gladly assisted him in making RF seaworthy and probably would have gone along on passages to ensure safety on the seas. I think of the handicapped kids who wont get to go to sea. Because it wasn't done properly they are the real losers. I'm glad that RF sank. I care about the tax dollars spent rescuing a repeat idiot but I guess in this case it's money well spent to end this nightmare before someone got killed. Perhaps his piss poor attempts and near disaster will inspire someone to do it correctly and maybe some good will come of all this.
Finally, FWIW, I will take the advice of Maine Sail, Roger, & Ross anyday. They seem to be here to share knowledge, help others stay safe, and have fun. To argue with them about things nautical seems to me like telling Einstein he doesn't know his physics. Until others are as generous with their time and efforts as these guys are perhaps we should all be thankful for their wisdom and presence rather than irritating, argumentative, and annoying to them. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Old Skool Neil]

There is much talk about McKay's poor judgment, incapable vessel and the result of it all and based on what I've read I absolutely agree.

But when it was a teenage girl taking off around the world at the wrong time of year in essentially a racing hull hastily prepared by her headline seeking dad to set a record the general timbre was considerably different.

 

[Ross]

There is much talk about McKay's poor judgment, uncapable vessel and the result of it all and based on what I've read I absolutely agree.

But when it was a teenage girl taking off around the world at the wrong time of year in essentially a racing hull hastily prepared by her headline seeking dad to set a record the general timbre was considerably different.

She didn't make it either. Now Watson is a different story.

 

[Ross]

My Grand daughter catches for her varsity softball team. When I told her about Sunderland attempting to sail singlehanded around the world she said," that's scary".

 

[Old Skool Neil]

Yes, Ross,

The outcome was similar. Boat destroyed, human life in jeopardy including rescue crews and aircraft, not to mention the expense. My observation was the situations were in many ways similar yet the general consensus as measured by the postings was not.

So why the difference?

Full disclosure: I was against the record seeking stunt from the beginning and in the minority around here.

 

[Ross]

If we decide to try for the oldest on record there is no hurry for the prepartion of the boat we just have to beat the grim reaper.

 

[zeehag]

the round the world kid i am following is that lil dutch gurl, laura dekker-- now , SHE has sailing.....and brains.
jessica made it by some factor--mebbe she learned to sail on her trip-- she started out really poorly. i am glad she learned .
is a shame about the losses-- but when folks repeat the same thing without any kind of changes. one has to wonder..

 

[CaptJake]

Kinda off topic a tad (apologies for that) but it DOES come around to make sense (at least to me).
I'm a relative newbie here, but not to the sea or to water in general. The one commonality that I see in ALL the forums is a continuing discussion of poor choice vs educated choice. We all have our own opinions and are entitled to them but the fact remains that we all must learn/evolve or become extinct/perish. Sail is very different from Power, and making a poor choice while sailing alone is vastly different from a poor choice with a compliment of passengers. I oft remind myself that most of my friends who sail with me are handicapped in that they have no clue what to do in an emergency. They are lubbers who sail not lubberly sailors and it is my responsibility to make educated choices on their behalf. If you cannot do that you are a danger to yourself and others. Recreational Skipper or For-Hire Captain must ALL understand this; "The sea; Love of my life. Is a cruel mistress and given the chance will put you in your grave having never felt remorse". SAFETY is always the first concern. RF's skipper did not understand. Post early or read the whole story is not the issue here. The issue is that a forum is a place for discussion and when (IMHO) this situation called for it, outrage.
Thanks for the place to vent.