News

Flapjacks and engine failure on Durban 2010

28 July 2007

Durban 2010The marina was buzzing with activity as all the crews assessed the damage from the previous few days.  Durban 2010 seemed to be the only boat not to have suffered any torn sails or other problems. While Wijbrand gave countless interviews to the Dutch media, the rest of the crew cleaned the boat and enjoyed a welcome shower. After a reception at the Rotterdam Yacht Club, the Durban 2010 crew relaxed over dinner.
 
Rotterdam gave us a great send-off and quite a few of the crew sustained minor strains through over-enthusiastic waving to the crowds on the river bank.
 
The Wilberforce Challenge Cup race began with another Le Mans start – not a great start for Durban 2010 but we soon made up ground and were the first boat to pass the first gate. Sadly the success was not to last as a spectra strop on the spinnaker burst allowing Hull & Humber (the eventual race winners) to pass us. The crew recovered the spinnaker quickly and finished the race in fourth place.
 
With increasing winds, the Clipper fleet headed towards the evening rendezvous only for disaster to strike Clipper 10. Durban 2010 leapt to the rescue to offer a tow. As the two boats made their way towards the anchorage, the RNLI Spurn Head lifeboat appeared.  The lifeboat took over the tow and Durban 2010 followed in convoy.  The crew drew lots for the anchor watch and most of us enjoyed our best night’s sleep for a week.
 
After a lie-in and a leisurely morning, we lifted the anchor and prepared for the big procession up the Humber to Hull.  Clipper 10, with her engine now fixed, was having problems lifting her anchor. Again, Durban 2010 stepped in to help.  However, in the course of trying to help, a rope became tangled around the Durban 2010 prop. Worse was to follow as the rope pulled the gearbox away from the engine. Clipper 10 cut her anchor line and the roles were reversed with her coming to our aid. 
 
After only15 minutes, Clipper 10‘s engine failed, and Clipper 6 and Uniquely Singapore came to rescue both the stranded Clippers.  We are now finishing a successful but gruelling week being towed into the Albert Dock eating flapjacks - a rather disappointing but tasty end to the week!