NEAR DEATH

ON THE

HIGH SEAS
TRUE STORIES OF CALAMITY AND PERIL
E DITE D BY

CECI L KU H N E

VINTAGE DEPARTURES Vintage Books A Division of Random House, Inc. New York

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION from the Editor 0 0 FOREWORD William F. Buckley 0 0

A D R I F T:
Seventy-Six Days Lost at Sea STEVE CALLAHAN 3

DARK WIND:
A Survivors Tale of Love and Loss GORDON CHAPLIN 00

GIPSY MOTH CIRCLES THE WORLD

SIR FRANCES CHICHESTER 00

CLOSE TO THE WIND

PETE GOSS 000

KON-TIKI:
Across the Pacific by Raft THOR HEYERDAHL 000

vi

CONTENTS

GODFORSAKEN SEA:
Racing the Worlds Most Dangerous Waters DEREK LUNDY 000

FOREWORD
William F. Buckley Jr.

FATA L S T O R M :
The Inside Story of the Tragic Sydney-Hobart Race ROB MUNDLE 000 The best explanation I ever had for mans compulsive race to get to the moon was offered by a shrewd and attractive lady, wife of a law school don at the University of Indiana. Dont you understand? she asked, after the company had worn each other down with elaborate scientic explanations. They wheeled toward her. Boys will be boys. We should be getting very close to the Scilly Isles. We must be very careful. The tides are large, the currents strong, and these shipping lanes heavily traveled. Both Chris and I are keeping a sharp eye out. Slamming into the teeth of an ocean swell has a way of instantly transforming even the largest and most stable sailboat into a very small one. In the end, the sea is a great leveler, and stories about its encounters reach the depth of human emotion precisely because they rouse that most basic of fears death by drowning. Launching a boat into the open sea has sometimes been compared to being propelled into the vastness of space. The water is very dark out there, and unfortunately, there are no handholds. The howling wind rst begins, causing the sails to ap and the mast to creak a little. Then the roiling gale grows louder and louder, and soon your boat becomes a wild pendulum out of control. Before you know it, you are left with
vii

THE LAST GRAIN RACE

ERIC NEWBY 000

SEA CHANGE:
Alone Across the Atlantic in a Wooden Boat PETER NICOLS 000

F A S T N E T, F O R C E 1 0 .
JOHN ROUSMANIERE 000

T H E B R E N D A N V O YA G E
TIM SEVERIN 000 000

NOTES ON THE CONTRIBUTORS

viii

P R E FA C E

their sinking craft in order to take refuge in small inatable liferafts. They often faced that most helpless of situations: they spotted large ships who could have rescued them but not see them slide slowly out of view and disappear forever. Those who stayed with their boats held on for dear life as they were buffeted by high winds and crashing walls of water. Many survived, but others died tragically. And often they perished in horrifying numbers when a storm hit as their otilla raced toward the nishing line. The authors assembled in these pages are uniquely gifted individuals, being as talented with pens as they are with mainsails. And they all possess two other characteristics in common a great love of, and deep respect for, the power of the sea. It is important to note that those who survive the ordeal almost always return, proving true Richard Henry Danas words almost three hundred years ago that, There is a witchery in the sea, its songs and stories, and in the mere sight of a ship. Cecil Kuhne Dallas, Texas

NEAR DEATH
ON THE

HIGH SEAS

CHAPTER 1
Sailing single-handedly in a regatta from Spain to Antigua, Steve Callahan was just west of the Canary Islands when he realized that he had a very serious problem his boat was sinking. Fortunately, he did have on board a five-foot life raft and a survival manual. The fight for his life had begun.

ADRIFT
Seventy-Six Days Lost At Sea

STEVE CALLAHAN

Log of Napoleon Solo

t is late at night. The fog has been dense for days. Napoleon Solo continues to slice purposefully through the sea toward the coast of England. We should be getting very close to the Scilly Isles. Wemust be very careful. The tides are large, the currents strong, and these shipping lanes heavily traveled. Both Chris and I are keeping a sharp eye out. Slamming into the teeth of an ocean swell has a way of instantly transforming even the largest and most stable sailboat into a very small one. In the end, the sea is a great leveler, and stories about its encounters reach the depth of human emotion precisely because they rouse that most basic of fears death by drowning.
3

STEVE CALLAHAN

ADRIFT

Launching a boat into the open sea has sometimes been compared to being propelled into the vastness of space. The water is very dark out there, and unfortunately, there are no handholds. The howling wind rst begins, causing the sails to ap and the mast to creak a little. Then the roiling gale grows louder and louder, and soon your boat becomes a wild pendulum out of control. Before you know it, you are left with only viciously cold waves and strange creatures lurking below the churning surface. What started off as a grand adventure in a beautiful craft on a sheet of glass with spectacular sunsets has become a ght for survival. And unless you are fortunate indeed, there is rarely anyone around to help you. The modern essays collected in this anthology were chosen because they were the nest writing I could nd, and because they cover such a wide span of ocean experiences. Some of those who write here were heading out for a short pleasure cruise when things went horribly wrong. Others were engaged in dramatic round-the-world races that lasted months. The craft in which these various mishaps occurred ranged the gamut from the most sophisticated vessel imaginable to a simple balsa-wood raft with a sail on top. Some of the sailors were forced to abandon their sinking craft in order to take refuge in small inatable liferafts. They often faced that most helpless of situations: they spotted large ships who could have rescued them but not see them slide slowly out of view and disappear forever. Those who stayed with their boats held on for dear life as they were buffeted by high winds and crashing walls of water. Many survived, but others died tragically. And often they perished in horrifying numbers when a storm hit as their otilla raced toward the nishing line. The authors assembled in these pages are uniquely gifted individuals, being as talented with pens as they are with main-

sails. And they all possess two other characteristics in common a great love of, and deep respect for, the power of the sea. It is important to note that those who survive the ordeal almost always return, proving true Richard Henry Danas words almost three hundred years ago that, There is a witchery in the sea, its songs and stories, and in the mere sight of a ship. Launching a boat into the open sea has sometimes been compared to being propelled into the vastness of space. The water is very dark out there, and unfortunately, there are no handholds. The howling wind rst begins, causing the sails to ap and the mast to creak a little. Then the roiling gale grows louder and louder, and soon your boat becomes a wild pendulum out of control. Before you know it, you are left with only viciously cold waves and strange creatures lurking below the churning surface. What started off as a grand adventure in a beautiful craft on a sheet of glass with spectacular sunsets has become a ght for survival. And unless you are fortunate indeed, there is rarely anyone around to help you. The modern essays collected in this anthology were chosen because they were the nest writing I could nd, and because they cover such a wide span of ocean experiences. Some of those who write here were heading out for a short pleasure cruise when things went horribly wrong. Others were engaged in dramatic round-the-world races that lasted months. The craft in which these various mishaps occurred ranged the gamut from the most sophisticated vessel imaginable to a simple balsa-wood raft with a sail on top. Some of the sailors were forced to abandon their sinking craft imaginable in order to take refuge in small liferafts. They often faced that most helpless of situations: they spotted large ships who could have rescued them but not see them slide slowly out of view and disappear forever. Those who stayed with their boats were buffeted by high winds. Many survived, but others died trag-

236

SIR FRANCIS CHICHESTER

GIPSEY MOTH CIRCLES THE WORLD

237

ically. And often they perished in horrifying numbers when a storm hit as when their otilla raced toward the nishing line. Launching a boat into the open sea has sometimes been compared to space. It feels good to be at sea again.

Nerves Exposed
I am experiencing a rare time for a sailor, a week of peace. With uncharacteristic gentleness, the sea and wind wrap my boatin a motherly caress that sends her skipping toward Antigua. What started off as a grand adventure has become a ght for survival.
Leaks Doghouse post over sink Post above head of quarter berth Cabin hatch lets water in freely, both sides (according to heel) Both ventilators when closed

cause they cover such a wide span of ocean experiences. Some of those who write here were heading out for a short pleasure cruise when things went horribly wrong. Others were engaged in dramatic round-the-world races that lasted months. The craft in which these various mishaps occurred ranged the gamut from the most sophisticated vessel imaginable to a simple balsa-wood raft with a sail on top. As the light deepened and the colors intensied, susan whispered, This is paradise. And you made it possible. Any decent spiritual travelogue will tell you that you dont nd paradise on purpose. If youre living right, it just happens. One day you look around, and youre there. I swung round to see whatever it could be. It came from an albatross! There were two of them, sitting on the waterabout 10 feet from the boat. It was too poor a light to see more. * Wed made our rst landfall in the Marshalls at Bikar, as planned. What started off as a grand adventure in a beautiful craft on a sheet of glass with spectacular sunsets has become a ght for survival. The craft in planned. What started off as a grand adventure in a beautiful which these various mishaps occurred ranged the gamut from the most sophisticated vessel imaginable to a simple balsa-wood raft with a sail on top.
* Rex Clements in his book A Gypsy of the Horn relates an oddly similar occurrence. One dark, moonless nightjust before we got clear of the forties, there occurred a most uncanny experience. It was about four bells in the middle watch because they cover such a wide span of ocean experiences. Some of those who write here were heading out for a short pleasure cruise when things went horribly wrong. We rushed to the rail. Others were engaged in dramatic round-the-world races that lasted months. It was about four bells in the middle watch. Some of those who write here were heading out for a short pleasure cruise when things went horribly wrong. Who and what it was that caused it we never learnt. I wonder if this might also have been an albatross?

Some of the sailors were forced to abandon their sinking craft in order to take refuge in small inatable liferafts. They often faced that most helpless of situations. Joshua Slocum was fty-four when he nished his epic single-handed round-the-world voyage in 1898 and wrote:
Was the crew well? Was I not? I had proted in many ways by the voyage.As for aging, why, the dial of my life was turned back till my friends all said, Slocum is young again. And so I was, at least ten years younger than the day I felled the rst treee for the construction of the Spray.

The modern essays collected in this anthology were chosen because they were the nest writing I could nd, and be-

238

THOR HEYERDAHL

KON-TIKI

239

Somewhat relieved from the constant assult on the raft, I chide myself in a Humphrey Bogart fashion. Some of the sailors were forced to abandon their sinking craft in order to take refuge in small inatable liferafts. They often faced that most helpless of situations: they spotted large ships who could have rescued them but not see them slide slowly out of view and disappear forever. Those who stayed with their boats held on for dear life as they were buffeted by high winds and crashing walls of water. Many survived, but others died tragically. And often they perished in horrifying numbers when a storm hit as their otilla raced toward the nishing line. I had to re off a fax to Tracey. She told me later it was the only time during the race that she became really concerned.
25 DWC 1996 15:56 FROM INMC VIA SENTOSA LES

cream cake, on the cream sailed an outlineof Brendan piped inred icing. Beside it was an envelope addressed:
HIGH COMMAND OF THE GREENLAND SEA CAPT. TIM SEVERAN BRENDAN ADDRESS POSITION

63 56'; 23 17'V

The letter inside read:

Hello Tim, old boy. You Better start whistling for a wind. Below it was an indescribable mess: water slopped about and a litre bottle of cooking dear life as they were buffeted by high winds and crashing walls of water. Many survived, others died tragically. And they perished in horrifying numbers. The nishing line wishes you all the best. Good speed. Capt. Gunnar H. Olafsson.

Hi Tracey, Happy Xmas I am in bad storm 60knts wind but ne, I stress ne. Another competitor is in distress & I am trying to make my way back to rescue him, I stree I am ne & storm may just be easing so dont worry. Wanted you to know before press start baying Cant tell you how much I love you. Hope the Xmas meal/day has been good. Love to all. Pete XXXXX
FROM 423420410+AQUA X 25-DEC-1996 15:56:42 MSG214085 SENTOSA C IOR

As I nished reading the note, some of the sailors were small inatable liferafts. There was a deafening screaming of birds over us all that night. And the moon was nearly full. Translated by F. H. Lyon

Below it was an indescribable mess: water slopped about and a litre bottle of cooking oil had burst. Those who stayed high winds and crashing walls of water. Many survived, but others died tragically. And often they perished in horrifying numbers when a storm hit as their otilla raced toward the nishing line. Those who stayed with their boats held on for dear life as they were buffeted by high winds. Inside was en enormous

Postscript: Steve Callahan eventually spent 76 days at sea. Emaciated from lack of food and scorched by the sun and saltwater, he fought offsharks with a makeshift spearand watched nine ships pass by without noticing. His raft developed a holeafter forty-three days, but amazingly, he was able to control the leak until his rescue twenty-three days later.

240

DEREK LUNDY

GODFORSAKEN SEA

241

B E AU F O RT WI N D S CAL E
Wind speed Beaufort number knots mph or force 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 under 1 under 1 1-3 4-6 7-10 11-16 17-21 22-27 28-33 1-3 4-7 8-12 13-18 19-24 25-31 32-38 World Estimating wind speed Meteorological Organizameters km Effects observed from land per second per hour tion (1964) 0.0-0.2 0.3-1.5 1.6-3.3 3.4-5.4 5.5-7.9 8.0-10.7 10.8-13.8 13.9-17.1 under 1 1-5 6-11 12-19 20-28 29-38 39-49 50-61 Calm Sea like mirror.

Light air Ripples with appearance of scales; no foam crests. Light breeze Gentle breeze Small wavelets; crests of glassy appearance, not breaking. Large wavelets; crests begin to break; scattered whitecaps.

Moderate Small waves, becoming longer; breeze numerous whitecaps. Fresh breeze Strong breeze Moderate waves, taking longer form; many whitecaps; some spray. Larger waves forming; whitecaps everywhere; more spray.

the roiling gale grows louder and louder, and soon your boat becomes a wild pendulum out of control. Before you know it, you are left with only viciously cold waves and strange creatures lurking below the churning surface. What started off as a grand adventure in a beautiful craft on a sheet of glass with spectacular sunsets has become a ght for survival. And unless you are fortunate indeed, there is rarely anyone around to help you. The modern essays collected in this anthology were chosen because they were the nest writing I could nd, and because they cover such a wide span of ocean experiences. Some of those who write here were heading out for a short pleasure cruise when things went horribly wrong. Others were engaged in dramatic round-the-world races that lasted months. The craft in which these various mishaps occurred ranged the gamut from the most sophisticated vessel imaginable to a simple balsa-wood raft with a sail on top. Some of the sailors were forced to abandon their sinking craft in order to take refuge in small inatable liferafts. They often faced that most helpless of situations: they spotted large ships slide slowly out of view and disappear forever. Those who stayed with their boats held on for dear life as they were buffeted by high winds and crashing walls of water. Many survived, but others died tragically. And often they perished in horrifying numbers when a storm hit as their otilla raced toward the nishing line. The authors assembled in these pages are uniquely gifted individuals, being as talented with pens as they are with mainsails. And they all possess two other characteristics in common a great love of, and deep respect for, the power of the sea. It is important to note that those who survive the ordeal almost always return, proving true Richard Henry Danas

Near gale Sea heaps up; white foam from breaking waves begins to be blown in streaks. Gale Moderately high waves of greater length; edges of crests begin to break into spindrift; foam is blown in well-marked streaks. High waves; sea begins to roll; dense streaks of foam; spray may reduce visibility. Very high waves with overhanging crests; sea takes white appearance as foam is blown in very dense streaks; rolling is heavy and visibility is reduced. Exceptionally high waves; sea covered with white foam patches; visibility still more reduced.

34-40

39-46

17.2-20.7

62-74

41-47

47-54

20.8-24.4

75-88

Strong gale Storm

10

48-55

55-63

24.5-28.4

89-102

11

56-63

64-72

28.5-32.6

103-117

Violent storm

12

64 and over

73 and over

32.7 and over

118 and Hurricane Air lled with foam; sea completely over white with driving spray; visibility greatly reduced.