Round Britain & Ireland Race

Update from Lerwick:

The Class 40, CARIBERIA, survived sailing around Muckle Flugga whilst storm Hector howled around them, later describing the journey as ‘awful’. They arrived in Lerwick on Friday evening looking surprisingly well rested. Unfortunately for the Lerwick Race Port Officer and Race Director neither CARIBERIA’s Tracker nor AIS was working.

After rounding Muckle Flugga they attempted to shelter in Balta Sound which is situated on the island of Unst however due to adverse weather conditions this proved impossible. To ride out the storm they dropped their sails and lay ahull, towed warps and had an easterly drift of 35 miles from 0300 until 1000. When the weather moderated they set storm sails and were spotted by a passing French trawler who notified the Lerwick Coastguard of her position who in turn informed the Lerwick Lifeboat and Helicopter search. The Race Port Officer was delighted to record their arrival time in Lerwick on Friday as 20:38. She left Lerwick on Sunday 17th June in sunshine for Lowestoft the only damage sustained was a broken baton.

The RWYC are extremely grateful to the Lerwick Coastguard and Lifeboat and Helicopter for their stirling efforts on behalf of the Round Britain and Ireland Race 2018.

Many thanks to Paul Gibbins for the photos.

To follow the progress of the fleet, click here.