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Greg Slyngstad’s American Bieker 53 multihull Fujin has capsized during the RORC Caribbean 600 near Saba. All eight crew are safe. On Tuesday the ship was moored in front of Fort Bay, upside down.
Stephen Cucchiaro’s Gunboat 60 Flow stood by until Dutch/ French authorities organised a rescue vessel. Preparations are now underway to transfer all crew to the safety of Port Saba.
RORC Race Manager Chris Stone issued a statement on behalf of the race organisers, The Royal Ocean Racing Club:
“On Monday 19th February at 20:20 AST, Fujin capsized close to Saba Island and the eight-man crew were observed standing on the up-turned hull. All of the crew are now safe. Stephen Cucchiaro’s Gunboat 60 Flow stood by while rescue agencies co-ordinated the rescue efforts.
Jens Kellinhusen’s German Ker 56 Varuna altered course to assist, but has now continued racing. The Coastguard at Fort De France Martinique has been co-ordinating the rescue.”
The highly experienced crew on Fujin from Seattle, Washington, USA include the skipper Greg Slyngstad, the boat’s designer, Paul Bieker and Olympic Gold medallist Jonathan McKee.
Getting underway on February 19, the RORC Caribbean 600 starts and finishes in Antigua with the 600 nm course carrying the fleet around 11 Caribbean islands.
More info on the Caribbean 600 race in this video: