Virgin Money’s dreams dashed by monster wave
After approximately 2 days and 4 hours at sea in the face of impossible odds the crew of Virgin Money had to admit defeat on their first attempt to set a new world record for the fastest mono-hull crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. After 2 days that saw the crew and Virgin Money overcome seas of 40ft and gale force winds of between 7 and 9 their dreams were finally dashed when a ‘monster wave’ took out the spinnaker, washed a ten man life boat overboard and ripped a huge gash in the mainsail.
Speaking to Mission Control after the decision to abandon the record attempt this time round, the crew were frustrated but upbeat about the boat’s performance and chances of success in the future. Co-skipper Richard said: ‘I am surrounded by the most amazing group of world class sailors - all of whom are still committed to getting this record – it’s just a shame it wasn’t to be on this attempt. Virgin Money will soon be fighting fit and ready to take on the Atlantic again in the very near future. Taking on an ocean like the Atlantic was never going to be easy – I know that only too well having been defeated by her once before on Virgin Challenger 1 - you learn to respect the awesome power of this ocean and to admit when she has you beat. But I truly believe that next time, as with Virgin Challenger 11, Virgin Money will set a new world record that will secure its place in the record books for many years to come.’
From onboard Virgin Money fellow co-skipper Mike Sanderson was characteristically laid back: ‘Well that was a fairly exciting trip… We all knew, as a result of leaving so late in the season, we were in for a bumpy ride – we just didn’t suspect it to be this bumpy. We had a good go at repairing the mainsail at sea but it wasn’t possible in the conditions we were experiencing. Lady Luck was not smiling down on us this time round. Virgin Money performed well and she’ll be good to go again just as soon as we get the mainsail repaired.’
Triple Gold Olympic medal winner Ben Ainslie had just spent his first 2 days ocean racing on Virgin Money: ‘I’m just as disappointed as Richard and Mike that we didn’t achieve our goal this time out of the dock but I’m looking forward to breaking the record next time out. Virgin Money is an awesome piece of kit – a real beast.’
Holly and Sam Branson were equally up for the next challenge, Holly said: ‘It’s been an amazing trip to be part of. I didn’t have to use my medical skills too much, despite the crew taking a real battering during the 2 days on board. I’m not too upset though as I’m looking to stepping onto dry land and taking in some Bermudan sun!’
Sam added: ‘It’s a bit of a shame to be heading back. As beginners it took Holly and I a full day to find our sea legs but the last day has been amazing. It’s been all hands on deck and incredible to share the experience with all of the guys involved. With a bit more luck and the right weather conditions the next attempt will be great to be part of.’
The crew and Virgin Money are expected in St George’s Customs Dock, Bermuda at 5pm local (9pm BST).
7 Responses to “Virgin Money’s dreams dashed by monster wave”
Mart - October 27th, 2008
I was a little suprized when I learned that you would really try the trip so late in the season but I was crossing fingers so much that you would succeed.
So I wish you very good luck for the next attempt, I am sure you will make it that time!
mart
Gab - November 2nd, 2008
Good luck for the next attempt.
Gab
jude schwarze - November 8th, 2008
Richard,
Wow, you really are crazy. I would love to see more pics of your wounderful sailing machine. Where can I see some? I love the Maricha IV and your vessel must be just over the top!!
Jude Schwarze
Owner, DEEP SEA FISHING KAUIA
Sham - November 16th, 2008
I was very inspired by your story of starting a business from a houseboat. I’m almost as crazy as you and would love to contact you sometime as I have some ideas, I had wondering if your myspace page is where you can be contacted from or if you can give me a meeting point on the web to discuss ideas
Thanks
Sham :)
Bob - November 16th, 2008
Hi Sham
thanks for your comment
If you have a business idea for Virgin you can submit it here: http://www.virgin.com/Contact/GotABigIdea.aspx
good luck!
Bob
Stella - November 16th, 2008
Hi Richie, I dont know if you will have the opportunity to read this. Anyway,i would like you to come into one of the west african countries to build an amusement park since you are an investor. Many children in african dont have the opportunities to visit the like of disney land in paris and the USA. This is not a spam mail, its jst for u to read and consider doing something for the children of africa since virgin nigeria and virgin atlantics is doing very well in nigeria. Many thx
george bear - December 29th, 2008
My wife bought me RB’s book for Christmas, and won’t let me read it. All I get on a regular basis is “did you know this is how Richard did it”.
She made me visit the big ideas site. And I see, in this day and age, the need for a postage stamp to make contact.
OK I can accept/handle that, but if RB thinks that big ideas can be handled by the staff of individual companies, he is off his rocker. Come on RB, big ideas need special people. Invest in them.
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