Magellan Three Peaks Yacht Race
Spirit of Barmouth Crash Out
Rob / 27.06.2004
When he arrived and jumped from Spirit of Barmouth onto the pier the yacht was moving too fast as a result of broken reverse gear on the engine and he caught his foot. He got ashore and set off quickly, so no one realised the extent of the injury, but as they ran out to the foot of Snowdon it became apparent he was in difficulty.
When he got back he explained what had happened. “My foot was squashed between the hull and the pier, “ he said. “I ran out to the start of the climb, but I couldn’t go on up the mountain. The leg is too badly bruised, though hopefully that is the only damage.� He did go to hospital to check though and had an X-ray and prescription for strong pain killers.
It was a sad end to the race for the Barmouth team and after a few hours sleep they all returned home, with the crew taking the yacht back to Barmouth and the runners travelling back with the support crew.
There are many difficulties and dangers in the Menai Strait, and often one or two yachts fail to get past this point. This year only the team to drop out was one of the favourites and race leaders. As crewmen Dave Bird said before the start, “Anything can happen in this race.�
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