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Koomooloo To All Media and Yachting Enthusiasts,
Mike Freebairn (the owner and skipper), and Craig are currently awaiting a flight to Hobart. They are keen to greet the boats and in particular other classics and the British yacht 'Adventure' which came to their rescue. They have asked me to get in touch with you to let you know how grateful they all are for the support they have received from everyone. Mike and the crew are overwhelmed by the support they have received from all corners (internationally) which is a sign this tragedy has impacted on both the yachting and non-yachting communities. A more detailed description of the fateful event will follow however in the mean time here is a brief overview of the event: The crew have explained that at approximately 9.30am they came off the back of a massive backless wave which was quickly followed by another, larger backless wave. The waves were being formed by a strong southerly set of around 3 to 4 knots and a South Easterly swell of around 4 to 6 meters with frequent 6 meter plus swells heading North from a system off Tasmania. With the SSW winds the course was directly into the oncoming waves. Everyone was accounted for and a rig check showed no damage and the yacht continued on course. Within 2 minutes a crew reported the floor boards were floating. Within 5 minutes they were shin deep in water. The crew immediately tacked the boat and made course for the nearest land (some 70 nautical miles away). A mayday was issued, life raft prepared, Lifejackets, EPIRBS and strobes issued and flares distributed. The crew manned stations including the radio, two manual bilge pumps and buckets. Attempts were made to find the leak without success. No matter how much bailing they did they just couldn't keep up with the influx of water. Comments on the suspected damage will be reserved for future publication on www.koomooloo.com With crew safety paramount and limited opportunity to save the yacht the decision was made to abandon ship. Mike didn't want to leave the boat. It was more than just a mast, boom, sails and hull to him. 'Koomooloo' has been his life for 10 years and together with his family they restored every nut and bolt but never took away the essence of what she preserved. Obviously Mike is devastated about the whole situation however is in high spirits regardless of the events that unfolded. They are being overwhelmed by support and media attention. Several outlets including the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) have referred to Koomooloo as “The Peoples Boat”. 'Koomooloo' has been a family run campaign for the past 10 years. The restoration work and upgrades to the boat were all made with the view of taking home this years IRC crown. In 2004 the crew along with almost half the fleet made the decision to retire and finish the race in Eden due to bad weather and in last years race they won their division in what was a close race the entire way down the coast. But this was to be their year. The 2006 race was to be the pinnacle moment in the campaign and with them leading on IRC when tragedy struck was a sure sign the boys were on track in again etching 'Koomooloo' into the record books. The loss of 'Koomooloo' is a tragic event for not only Australian Yachting, but for yachting world wide and especially the Classic Yachting Fleet. In an effort to ensure this marvellous yacht will forever be remembered the crew are currently establishing the "SPIRIT OF KOOMOOLOO" campaign. The website (www.koomooloo.com) will be up and running within the next 24 to 48 hours. 'Preserve and Promote the values of Classic Yachts in Modern Day Sailing'. This is the motto behind the "SPIRIT OF KOOMOOLOO" website and campaign. The public will be able to submit photos and comments for viewing. A
bank account has been established and a pay pal
account will soon be active to ask for donations
in an effort to preserve classic yachting and to
commence another classic program. Koomooloo was one of Australia's most travelled yachts and presented the public with the opportunity to view the yacht and follow her achievements. The Freebairn's welcomed sailors and newcomers aboard without reservation. Classic yachts generally battle against the big budget modern maxis however every now and then the yachting world is lucky enough to be embraced by a yacht such as 'Koomooloo'. For its memory to be drowned with the hull would again be a yachting tragedy. We are asking that you get behind the campaign and support us in this venture. On behalf of the crew, Peter Sherwood, Adrian Reed, Paul White, Steve Zaphir, Craig Smith, Ben Harburg, Donny Casson and Mike Freebairn we would like to say thank you. And also from Marg, Don and Vanessa Freebairn who considered this classic marvel a family member for the past 10 years. The Spirit of Koomooloo will thrive forever… The site www.koomooloo.com will be running soon Keep Sailing, Suellen
Hurling 12/28/06 |
I
have just this moment received a call from Craig
Smith, a member of the ill-fated 'Koomooloo' in
the current Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Additional information will be updated to a new
website soon - www.koomooloo.com