The Dismasting of Andrameda Sol

We met a South African couple at Great Bridge, Virginia and spent time cruising with them along the ICW. Peter and Trudi have traveled the world in their sailboat, Andromeda Sol. We enjoyed chatting with them and learning about their journey from Richards Bay South Africa to Brazil and up the Caribbean. We were looking forward to hearing more of their stories and spending time with them. When we left Portsmouth we agreed to meet at Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey in a couple of weeks. They are offshore sailors with a deep 7 foot keel. Their plan was to take an offshore route while we would go inside up the Chesapeake Bay. We were supposed to meet on Friday but we got delayed in Atlantic City (by weather, not gambling). When we didn't hear from them on Friday we became worried because of the storms that kept us in Atlantic City. We knew Peter and Trudi would have bad weather offshore as well. On Saturday, we traveled 98 miles to get to Atlantic Highlands one day later than planned. We didn't see Andromeda on our way in but found a spot to anchor next to a sailboat without a mast. Both Dave and I realized at the same time that it was Andromeda Sol. We were shocked and confused! Peter and Trudi motored over in their dinghy to tell us their tale of dismasting off of Cape May New Jersey.

Andromeda Sol in Great Bridge Lock

Andromeda Sol at Hospital Point

As we listened to their story, we were amazed that they survived. It sounded like either wind sheer or a tornado brought the wind from 20 to 45 knots, (the last reading Peter caught), very quickly. The wind knocked Andromeda Sol over and filled her sails with sea water. While they were down, a wave came over them and flooded their cabin where Trudi was holding on for dear life. She described seeing Peter hanging onto the wheel at a 90 degree angle. She screamed for him to hold on! While the boat tried to right itself, the mast snapped. Andromeda Sol has very heavy rigging which is thick and oversized. Peter knew he had to cut the mast free. It was hanging over the starboard side and was smashing into the hull. It could easily have sunk them if it broke through. He had bolt cutters but they didn't put a dent in the rigging. He got out a grinder and a cord and ran around cutting everything away as fast as he could as the storm raged. Trudi encouraged him with shouts of "Hurry, Peter, HURRY!"

They tried to use the VHF to call for help but didn't have enough range. Their antenna was below water. They saw a large research vessel off in the distance. The crew must have noticed them bobbing in the water and came over to see what was up. The Captain reported the dismasting to the USCG and offered to take Peter and Trudi aboard. Peter declined; he wanted to save his boat. It took almost 2 days to motor the 120 miles into Atlantic Highlands doing 4 mph. Their prop shaft had been damaged earlier when they hit a log on the ICW. Andromeda's engine could push no harder.

When we found them in Atlantic Highlands they seemed to be in shock over the incident. They kept going over their experience, each time remembering another detail. We were horrified by what they described. Their prospects are good but insurance claims and repairs will take precious time. We spent a day with them in case there was anything we could do to help. They are optimists. Peter endured an attack by armed pirates off of Brazil. He escaped from his captors by jumping overboard and swimming to shore. The pirates took as many valuables as they could before they left. Offshore sailors have two main concerns; pirates and dismasting. Peter had survived both. Their bad luck must surely be over.

This cruising thing we do is a fantastic adventure that is often quite dangerous. Even with perfect planning, life can take a turn that we are unprepared for. Peter and Trudi just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. It makes a great story, if you survive to tell it; but no one wishes to go through what they endured.

We will keep in touch with our new friends as they work through this unexpected event. We know they will overcome this incredible experience and continue on with their adventures aboard Andromeda Sol. We will be watching and cheering them on as they go! And, of course, we will try to reconnect with them at every opportunity! Sail on Peter and Trudi!