Home at lastGeoff Waddington & Partners discharge ECover, Mike Goldings famous Open 60. Following the rescue of Alex Thomson and subsequent mast damage sustained to the Open 60 ECOVER, British skipper Mike Golding retired from competing further in the Velux 5 Oceans Race on Monday 4th December 2006. The infamous race yacht was then returned home to the UK by ship from Cape Town, South Africa to Sheerness in Kent.At the request of international shipping agents Peters and May Limited, our surveyors were on site when the Merchant Vessel 'Cloudy Bay' berthed in Sheerness Docks at 04.00 hours on Tuesday 2nd January. The weather suited that which we have become accustomed to; wet, windy and cold. Sheerness dock staff from were on hand to assist under our supervision as the lashings were removed from the well travelled race yacht. The mast sections were secured on deck beside the yachts cradle. Under the guidance of ECovers shore manager Mr Graham Tourell the lifting gear was rigged up beneath the yachts cradle, purpose built for the journey home, which not only supported the yacht but also her giant keel.  The yacht was lifted from the deck of the 'Cloudy Bay' at approximately 07.00 hours and slewed across a windy quayside towards the waiting haulage truck. Transboat staff were on hand to ensure that the vessel was suitably positioned and supported on an expanding road transport trailer. The mast sections, wrapped together for security were discharged separately to a further road transporter.With the discharge completed satisfactorily the yacht and mast section were homeward bound to Southampton, Hampshire under wide load escort. As attending surveyors we can report that despite poor weather conditions the discharge process was completed successfully without damage. The yacht was checked at each stage of the discharge process for damage. All lifting gear and securing arrangements were inspected prior to use to ensure best working practice. Labels: ECover Racing, Peters and May Limited, Sheerness Docks
posted by marine-surveying at 6:11 AM
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