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**Alan Wheeler** · 22-06-2008, 22:55

An American yachtie(sailor for the US folk) has run onto rocks on Aucklands Great Barrier Island. He has spent 2 yrs building his yacht and was on the first leg of his circumnavigation. He was asleep at the time and was awoken by the noise of the boat upon the rocks.
Yachtie rescued by helicopter on Great Barrier Is | NATIONAL | NEWS | tvnz.co.nz

Lancerbye · 22-06-2008, 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

He was asleep at the time and was awoken by the noise of the boat upon the rocks.

That will do it

**Alan Wheeler** · 23-06-2008, 00:27

What? being asleep will get you on the rocks or the noise of the Rocks will awake you? ;-)

Steve Pope · 23-06-2008, 00:43

What seems a bit odd is that apparently he left last week, the course for Hawaii is roughly due east for a couple of thousand miles then curving north to lay for Hawaii.
What the hell was he doing at the barrier?? Unless of course he actually hadn't left at all??

lannen · 23-06-2008, 00:56

To quote a famous Captain regarding the location of the incident:

Captain Ron: [telling how he lost his eye] Yeah, it happened when I went down off the coast of Australia.
Katherine Harvey: Your boat sank?
Captain Ron: No, no, no, no. Not my boat. My boss's boat. Yeah, we hit this reef. Huge son-of-a-bitch. Ran the whole coast.
Katherine Harvey: Wait. The Great Barrier Reef?
Captain Ron: You've heard of it, huh? Smart lady.

**Alan Wheeler** · 23-06-2008, 01:07

So I wonder if he has been waiting for a weather window. Sure wouldn't want to be leaving now. We've got a massive front on the way. Wrap up in the winter woolies Kiwis.

Lancerbye · 23-06-2008, 01:35

I think the boat hitting the rocks would definately work better than an alarm clock.

**Alan Wheeler** · 23-06-2008, 01:58

Sure would. I can't imagine the shear terror one would suddenly have when something like that happens. Mate!

**Ex-Calif** · 23-06-2008, 02:20

Wow - Don't want to be judgmental but how in the hell does that happen?

**Alan Wheeler** · 23-06-2008, 02:27

I don't think anyone is being judgemental and we are certainly all asking the same question.

CSY Man · 23-06-2008, 02:31

The Rules of the Road requires a constant look out, but these solo sailing fools are a constant danger to themselfs, their rescuers and other mariners.
Why didn't the Kiwis arrest him aftet they rescued him...

**Alan Wheeler** · 23-06-2008, 02:36

What would you arrest him for?? Denting our shoreline?

Zanshin · 23-06-2008, 02:49

Alan - it would seem that this so-called "Great Barrier" reef isn't charted yet.

p.s. CSY Man - I'm one of those solo sailing fools. I also drive and fly alone as well. Do you recommend a straightjacket?