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rbgarr
01-10-2008, 07:11 PM
Was this [posted here before and did I miss it?

22nd ARC Is Marred By Tragedy
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The following is an official press release from the World Cruising Club
The Directors of World Cruising Club express their deep sorrow at the death of John Thompson, 54, the skipper of the yacht Avocet that was participating in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC 2007). John Thompson, a lawyer from Bangor, Northern Ireland, sustained serious head injuries in an accident onboard his yacht late on Friday 7 December 2007.
The incident occurred mid-Atlantic whilst the yacht was at position 15.28N 43.59W, 980 nautical miles east of St.Lucia and 1090 nautical miles west of the Cape Verde Islands, well beyond the range of any land based assistance.
The Maritime Rescue Control Centre (MRCC) in Martinique diverted a cruise ship, Costa Mediterranea, to attend the scene and at first light on Saturday 8 December John was transferred onto the ship. His son Daniel who had been sailing with him accompanied his father. Early on Monday morning (10 December) John was transferred ashore once the ship reached Barbados, where he received immediate hospital treatment.
Regrettably, John did not recover from his serious injuries whilst in hospital, and died late today (Thursday 13 December); his family were with him at the time.
Andrew Bishop, Managing Director of the event organizers, World Cruising Club, commented:
"We are all deeply saddened by the news of John's death in this tragic sailing accident and send our condolences and prayers to his family. Despite this being such a difficult time for them, I know that they take some comfort from the fact that John died participating in the sport he loved. Our thoughts and those of all his fellow ARC sailors are with his wife Tina, son Dan and family today."
The yacht Avocet, with 4 remaining crew, all of whom are very experienced, has continued on to St.Lucia, with an expected arrival date of Friday 14 December.
Posted: December 14, 2007

Wild Wassa
01-10-2008, 10:30 PM
I'm sorry to hear that that happened to a fellow racing sailor.

The comment that his grieving family "... take some comfort from the fact that John died participating in the sport that he loved," ... cliche'. Pathetic comment.

I'd rather know how he died, so his tragic death is at least given some value and not just dismissed by organizers as quickly as possible. Knowing what actually happened might even save a life.

Warren.

andrewe
01-11-2008, 03:36 AM
As I understand it, he fell and banged his head on a winch. I agree with your comment about the statement from the organisers.
Andrew

Wild Wassa
01-11-2008, 06:15 PM
Thankyou Andrew.

Just recently, a week before Christmas, I noticed that some the sailors of the performance skiffs like the International 14 and B 14 crews have started wearing lightweight carbon helmets at our club and at our nearest neighbouring club the Canberra YMCA sailing club.

I wonder if someone here has been hurt to have prompted this new and wise trend ... I'll ask around today and try to find out.

Many of the sailboard riders here have also started wearing helmets ... I bet something serious has happened for these crazies to be showing some sense.

Warren.

John E Hardiman
01-11-2008, 06:46 PM
Thankyou Andrew.

Just recently, a week before Christmas, I noticed that some the sailors of the performance skiffs like the International 14 and B 14 crews have started wearing lightweight carbon helmets at our club and at our nearest neighbouring club the Canberra YMCA sailing club.

I wonder if someone here has been hurt to have prompted this new and wise trend ... I'll ask around today and try to find out.

Many of the sailboard riders here have also started wearing helmets ... I bet something serious has happened for these crazies to be showing some sense.

Warren.


When I was an instructor at my college sailing club, I use to tell all my students to consider a high performance dingey just like a race car...it can kill you or maim you just as quick. Cuts, mashed fingers & toes, scalps opened up, people face down in the cockpit from a boom strike, other broken body parts....I've seen, and suffered, too much of that to take even a "beer can race" lightly. And often there is not much than can be done about some of the accidents....many a slip on a moving deck in a moments inattention.

Still sad for the family.:(