GGR Solo-Sailor Gregor McGuckin Arrives in Perth and Reflects on the Loss of His Boat
Irish Sailor Gregor McGuckin arrived in Perth, Australia onboard the an Australian Navy frigate after being plucked from his dismasted sailboat in the Southern Indian Ocean after a 70-knot storm. McGuckin was taken by French fishing patrol vessel Osiris to the remote Amsterdam Island prior to being picked up by the Australian Navy’s HMAS Ballarat. Below McGuckin’s statement upon arrival in Australia:
“It’s fantastic to be here in Perth. While Australia was never my intended final port, I couldn’t be happier and more grateful right now. My journey started some 92 days ago, when I departed France on Hanley Energy Endurance in an attempt to sail alone non-stop around the world.
In a horrendous storm, my yacht was capsized and dismasted, as was my competitor Abhilash Tomy’s yacht. I was uninjured and was planning to sail to safety. However, Abhilash was not so lucky. He suffered a back injury and was in immediate danger, so I built a jury rig and set a course for his location. Thankfully, we were both picked up and Abhilash is now recovering.
The real heroes today are the professionals that coordinate and execute such missions. All services were tested to their limits and excelled. The international cooperation between Australia, France, and India has proven that no matter how remote, there is always cover, and the investment in naval assets and training paid off. I understand the Ballarat crew had returned early from leave and I pass on my deep gratitude to them and their families for their dedication to duty.
Of course, the Golden Globe Race continues and my thoughts are very much with my fellow competitors. My incident merely underpins the challenges they face and I am sure we would all wish the remaining boats a safe passage until the race completes next year. I would also like to thank Don McIntyre and his team for their support.
Right now I want to spend time with my family. I will reflect on my experience and address all matters and questions at great length in due course. Thanks again to all involved. I will forever be indebted for your efforts”
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Gregor McGuckin and his partner Barbara O’ Kelly meet for the first time in Perth since he left France on the Golden Globe Race on July 1, 2018. Photo credit: GGR/PPL
