Record attempt abandoned
- Oct 24, 2008
Richard Branson and the crew of Virgin Money have sadly been forced to abandon their bid to break the transatlantic sailing record. Damage sustained to the racing yacht during rough seas along with an earlier diversion to avoid high winds and strong seas meant that Virgin Money was a day off course. Both of these factors meant the crew took the decision to abandon the record attempt and turn back towards safe harbour in Bermuda.
Calling in to Mission Control in London via satellite phone, Richard said 'We have decided to abandon it on this occasion. We got taken by a massive monster wave from behind. Luckily all of the crew were harnessed in and no-one was swept overboard, but it took one of our life rafts and damaged the spinnaker. Then the storm blew out the sea and it ripped the main sail.'
Co-skipper Mike Sanderson said 'We knew it was going to be tough, the forecast was tough. Lady Luck wasn't shining down on us at that time.'
But Mike had nothing but praise for the crew and said that the boat is still in good shape and Virgin Money would be ready to sail again within a few weeks.
Richard's daughter Holly said that she hadn't had to use her medical training too much apart from administering painkillers to crew members sustaining minor injuries during stormy seas, including one who was bashed against the main mast. She added that she was now looking forward to the sea and sunshine of Bermuda!
Richard signed off saying 'Everybody on board is committed to getting the record. If we can get away with this season which ends in two, three weeks time, we'll do it. If not, we'll get the boat ready for another attempt in the spring of next year. We will fight another day.'
