Letters


basically require and expect someone to save them if they have trouble. Especially since they are pushing things to the limit just to win a race. These are competent, experienced people that, except for racing, would probably not put themselves in this position if they can help it. But even the best laid plans go awry when mother nature gets involved. I put the story in as an interesting companion to the race in the Straits of Georgia where they had a LOT of wind and rightly abandoned the race. I think they got hit a bit harder. These were good sailors where the danger was fighting the intense winds because of the race. When they decided to quit, most easily handled their situations by running somewhere and finding a hiding place.


The other point is that 40 knots to some people of experience, is like 10 knots to most. They’ve been there and can handle it. This guy had lots of experience, a boat that was seaworthy, planned the trip well, was familiar with the waters and was in control the whole trip and never far from being able to tuck in somewhere when he got uncomfortable. Sure beats some of the stories I haven’t put in where people are crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca and call the Coast Guard because they’re cold. When the CG turns up, they’re fine, just scared and a cup of hot chocolate fixes the situation. Having said all that, yes, I do agree with you in most cases. And in that same vein..


Who pays the costs for search and rescue missions? I‘ve been following the rescue of the 16-year-old solo


sailor, Abby Sunderland. I’m glad she’s been found alive and safe, after dismasting in the Southern Ocean. But it also raises the whole question again of who pays the costs for search and rescue missions for these endeavors. Whether you’re a mountain climber or a sailor, if you knowingly set out on a risk-taking adventure, should you expect to be rescued for free if bad things happen? And when you’re sailing in the Southern Ocean during the winter season, bad things will happen. Australia sent a chartered Airbus out to look for Sunderland, which found her dismasted and drifting but safe. CROSS, out of Reunion Island, on the other side of the ocean, is sending three boats and has directed a fishing boat to go search for the girl. Australia has said it has no plans to charge for this service, even though Sunderland was outside its designated area of response. Should the public be expected to pick up the tab? Should governments provide the safety network for dangerous private stunts? I’d appreciate your thoughts on the subject. And, am willing to wait for your next editorial if that’s the place to address it.


Jeffrey D. Briggs


It’s become a sore subject, but bottom line is, people rescue people when they are in trouble, nevermind how they got into it. However, you won’t have to wait long for the editorial on “stunt sailing”. Check back a couple pages.


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48° NORTH, JULY 2010 PAGE 13


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