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TAWR2000TransAtlantic Windsurf Race
Portugal to Brazil
Photos: April 7, 2000
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TAWR2000 HITS A SECOND AND KNOCKOUT STORM: Shortly after the final race from Lanzerote and some 60 miles from Tenerife, the finish of the first leg, the group ran into their second storm in four days. Two of the RIBs were incapacitated by heavy seas. By the time a "pan pan" for assistance was requested to the air and sea rescue operations in Gran Canaria, the teams had already fought the storm for over 6 hours. Under the darkness of night, the situation grew grim as problems compounded. Only the American RIB was able to keep it together with minor electrical problems. It hovered around the stricken RIBs in heavy seas and oversaw the rescue operations which involved a rescue craft and a spotter helicopter. When the rescue boat arrived some 2 hours after the call, there were three sailors suffering from hypothermia and severe seasickness. Most all racers were transferred to the rescue craft and the boats taken in tow for a 7 hours journey into port. Damage to the RIBs were severe and repairs were estimated to be some 6 weeks. This news forced the organizers to announce an official postponement for the event which may possibly resume as early as November. Spirits of the competitors were surprisingly high as the ordeal seemed to heighten their determination to complete the challenge of the Atlantic.
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