A collision on the Atlantic shows how important quick action, technical understanding and mental strength are in extreme conditions on the water.
On the open sea, the situation for sailors can change in a matter of seconds. Even in moderate wind conditions of around 16 knots, high boat speeds can mean that unforeseen obstacles become a major challenge. A recent incident from professional sport shows how to keep calm and secure the boat in such extreme situations.
According to a report by the FAZ, a collision occurred during the Ocean Race Atlantic between the yacht Malizia 4 under skipper Boris Herrmann and a marine mammal or a large fish. At a speed of 25 knots, the port foil, one of the boat's lifting foils, was hit. The impact severely damaged the foil's hydraulic cylinder, while the crew fortunately remained uninjured and no structural damage to the hull was detected.
In such a situation, the right setup and tactical adjustments are crucial. The crew reacted quickly to limit the damage. They locked the damaged hydraulic cylinder in position and lashed it down additionally. This stabilized the foil on its bearings so that it could no longer move uncontrollably. According to team reports, this solution should make it possible to sail at full speed again after further safety checks.
Even if recreational sailors are rarely out on the Atlantic in foiling racing yachts, the principles can be applied to your own sailing. In the event of unexpected problems or equipment damage on the water, the rule is: keep calm, secure the damage and stabilize the boat before you attempt to continue your journey. Good preparation for potential technical defects and having the right tools on board are essential for this.
Your takeaway: In the event of unforeseen problems on the water, first secure the equipment and stabilize the boat before you continue your journey.
This article was generated automatically with AI from the sources listed above and has not been editorially reviewed.