Oyster News 49 - Oyster Yachts

NEWS ROUNDUP
A CAUTIONARY TALE OF THE WHALE
Passage notes from Mike Ritter, Oyster 66 Boundless, on route to Tahiti
While on passage, sailing at over 9 knots, we felt two quick jerks as though a wave had broken
on the hull, but sharper. Looking aft we saw the back and dorsal fin of a whale. Sadly, we also
saw a pool of blood. The whale was spouting regularly (breathing) as we watched it fall behind
out of our sight. We had obviously struck the whale, which was probably sleeping at or near the
surface. Fortunately, it was a glancing blow, causing no damage (to the boat). The bilges
remained dry and a later dive revealed no sign of collision. In over 40,000 miles of sailing and
several near misses, this is the first time I've actually hit a whale - an unpleasant encounter.
QUEST FOR PARALYMPIC SELECTION
Oyster is sponsoring Hannah Stodel in her pursuit of a place in the 2004
Paralympic team. Since her last report, Hannah has competed in the Disabled
Midwinters in Florida and taken the helm in two 29er competitions.
In preparation for the Sonar Europeans in Cowes this summer Hannah, along
with disabled helmsman, John Robertson, have recently teamed up with a third
crewmember, Steve Thomas. Steve, who played rugby for Wales at youth
level, lost both his legs after suffering from meningitis and has since gone on to
successfully compete in paralympic ice hockey. Steve is currently undergoing
training on mainsheet duties.
Oyster recently supplied Hannah with a new set of sails, and is funding toplevel
coaching to enable her to gain the extra experience she needs to help
secure her place in the Paralympic squad, in which we wish her every success.
John Robertson, Steve Thomas
and Hannah Stodel