2010 Southern Straits Race onboard Astral Plane (J109)

Take a ride with the RVYC J109 crew onboard Astral Plane during the Southern Straits race from Vancouver to Parksville April 2nd 2010. A 98.0 millibar low was forecast to power across the region during the start of the race and spread gale force SE winds. The wind never eased in the afternoon like it was suppose to. Max wind speeds at 1pm hit 55 knots, seas reached 6 meters and the top boat speed was 19.6 knots. Astral was one of 10 sailboats to make it across the Strait into Nanaimo harbour. 50 boats turned back and didn't attempt the crossing. Astral suffered minor damage including a blown traveller and ripped main. Others weren't so lucky. A 30 foot boat named Incisor sank and thankfully, all 6 of her crew were pluked from frigid waters with the aid of a BC ferry. Needless to say, the race was cancelled.




Astral Plane Crew: Tyler, Kyle, Phil, Matt S, Tammy, Adam, Kate, Sue, Matt B, Mike, Colin

• Category

  Sports

[Steve MacLean]

I heard that Incisor capsized and sank during the storm.  Why didn't she self right when knocked down and how was she swamped?

[cmeakin31]

Good question. Google "North Shore Outlook" to read an article that was written after an interview with the Skipper and Owner of Incisor (Currie). It sheds some light on what went on during the sinking and rescue of Incisor. Sounds like a breaking wave rolled the boat. The hover craft running over Incisor during the rescue probably didn't help either.

[alanw2005]

You guys are getting lots of views!

[cmeakin31]

 lots of interest that's for sure. the icon video is getting up there too.

[Magnus Hvidsten]

Is the wind 55.5 knots, or the speed of the boat?

[cmeakin31]

max windspeed we saw was 55.5 knots. I heard it was up to 60 in some places. max boat speed was 19.6 knots which is smoking in a J109. 65 foot icon's top speed that day was 23.5 knots.

[taskwatch1]

Seamanship is also about good judgement. The race committee and racers did NOT use good judgement by choosing to race that day. The forecast was there, and forecasting is pretty accurate these days. I was involved in the rescue to save your yachty peers. The rescues could have been avoided had 'good seamanship' been exercised. I have recovered people that look alot like you in that video.

[davidiantwopointzero]

@taskwatch1 - well said. Judging from the naive smiles and comments on deck, that boat could have used some wisdom.

[Matt Bray]

Are they holding the same race this year?? i'm in. .. Do you need crew?

[lynnakramer]

11 crew on a 30' boat? Is it a ferry? Whatcha need all them peoples for?

[iappsdev]

That is normal weather conditions for us in Japan Sea. We were racing in much worse weather conditions on the 25 foot racer Conrad-25R, with just one storm jib and we was going against wind, so you was lucky to go before the wind. :)

[tsullyhits]

What kind of digital/video camera did you use? The video looks crisp and clean!

[billnsarina]

the j-109 is agood boat to race and awsom to surf I race on one in Texas called Suprise

[AmericanFrog]

Wow! So glad the folks on incisors are safe. Aside from this accident, the grins on the faces of the sailors of the J109 say it all. Loved the video, thanks for posting - Amazing.

[Prestostark]

Nice job, guys! Congrats on making Nanaimo. Those were some brutal conditions and very exciting, no doubt. Having been in the Straits of Georgia under similar conditions, I know the video doesn't do justice to the size of the swell and wind waves. Great job on capturing some video.

[w1a1t1c1h5me4]

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