Please select your home edition
Edition
Craftinsure 2023 LEADERBOARD

Global Solo Challenge - Louis Robein's successfully assisted by Argentinian Navy

by Marco Nannini / Global Solo Challenge 9 Apr 17:27 BST 5 April 2024
Global Solo Challenge - Louis Robein's successfully assisted by Argentinian Navy © Ministerio de Defensa Argentina

Yesterday Louis Robein arrived safely in Ushuaia after his unfortunate ordeal, running aground in Bahia Aguirre, in the southeastern peninsula of Mitre in the Tierra del Fuego.

He was very fatigued when the incident happened, after his incredible voyage that saw him sailing with no autopilot for over three weeks in the open Pacific before successfully rounding Cape Horn on April 5th.

Louis intended to reach Ushuaia for repairs after rounding the Cape. Heavy weather affecting the area, with northwesterly winds of up to 60 knots made it impossible to immediately motor up the Beagle Channel and Louis patiently spent the evening of the 5th until the morning of the 6th hove-to, drifting slowly with sails on opposite tacks, in the shelter of the Tierra del Fuego and the archipelago de the Islas de Hornos.

By midday on the 6th the wind was still blowing hard but had decreased enough for him to start making way towards the coast of the Tierra del Fuego before heading west up the channel to Ushuaia. When steering in the cockpit, and with no autopilot Louis was unable to easily and quickly plot his position on the paper charts as the wind would immediately blow the boat off course. The sun was setting and as the profile of the headlands started to fade but despite the approaching darkness he was confident he was motoring up the Beagle Channel.

Unfortunately, fatigue, deception brought by the waning light of day and a dead reckoning misjudgment resulted in Louis motoring into the Bahia Aguirre. This area on the Mitre peninsula is uninhabited and is a protected natural reserve with no electricity or shore lights of any kind. The San Gonzalo lighthouse on the western entrance of the bay and the Elizalde light to the East used to mark this well protected bay which can be used to seek shelter. Neither lights are in function nowadays leaving Louis to navigate a dark coast with no easy reference points.

I woke up at night, something that has happened frequently during the entire Global Solo Challenge when skippers were sailing under difficult circumstances, and saw him sailing into the bay and thought he'd drop anchor and get some rest or even attempt repairs to his autopilot before proceeding to Ushuaia.

With the wind coming from shore the water was perfectly flat and the bay pitch black as the next day marked a new moon. Before Louis could realise the error he ran aground on the sandy bottom of the bay. All efforts to free the boat were unsuccessful and whilst trying to move the boat around with the engine the emergency tiller bar broke.

I woke up again a few hours later before sunrise and his updated position on the tracker was too close to shore for comfort and unfortunately an email from Louis confirmed he had run aground and requested assistance. His message said he had called the French coast guard at Cross Griz Nez asking them to liaise with local rescue authorities to send help.

As in other incidents, I made myself available for any assistance I can provide remotely. I spoke to MRCC Argentina and forwarded Louis' safety dossier and details of the boat, then spoke to Cross Griz Nez and remained on standby whilst the incident was being dealt with the Argentinian Navy who are the National Maritime, River, and Lake Search and Rescue Authority in Argentina.

The official account published on the Ministry of Defense website reports that:

"The case was taken over by the coordinating center (MRCC) Ushuaia, which dispatched the fast boat ARA "Indómita". The Navy vessel sailed from the military pier of the Naval Base Ushuaia at 4:20 a.m., with a doctor and salvage divers on board.

Furthermore, the Argentine Navy established contact through satellite phone with the sailboat's only crew member, Louis Robein of French nationality, ensuring his good health and indicating the measures taken.

At the same time, it contacted the nearest ship, "Moonrise G" under the Panamanian flag, which headed to the area and remained in the safe waters of the bay in radio contact with the crew member; waiting for the arrival of the Navy personnel with smaller boats and salvage divers, capable of assisting him in the stranding position of his vessel.

From the early hours and throughout the day, MRCC Ushuaia maintained contact with the Gris-Nez France Search and Rescue Coordination Center, as well as with the authorities of the French Consulate in Argentina and the honorary consul of France in Ushuaia, Mario Guillermo Eiriz.

Upon the arrival of the fast boat ARA "Indómita" to the location, prevailing winds in the area exceeding 50 knots, prevented the safe nautical operation of smaller boats. After establishing radio communication with the sailboat's crew member, the unit remained navigating nearby waiting for better conditions.

Continue reading the full article here...

Related Articles

Sylvain Canet enters the Global Solo Challenge
He discovered his love for the sea and sailing as a young boy Following Italian skipper Marcello Queirolo's recent entry, Sylvain, a seasoned sailor with over 50 years of experience, brings his lifelong passion and expertise to the event. Posted on 20 Dec
Marcello Queirolo enters the Global Solo Challenge
It is proving to be one of the most accessible and internationally diverse solo sailing events It's been an incredibly busy time behind the scenes at the Global Solo Challenge (GSC), as the event continues to gain remarkable momentum. Posted on 19 Dec
Sam Glover enters the Global Solo Challenge
His entry marks an important moment in a personal journey to push his limits We are thrilled to announce the entry of British sailor Sam Glover into the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. Sam, who lives and works in London, joins the list of skippers officially entered in the next exciting edition. Posted on 12 Sep
Fraser Flight enters the Global Solo Challenge
Bringing a wealth of knowledge and a strong determination to the race We're excited to announce that Fraser Flight, an experienced professional mariner, has officially joined the lineup for the Global Solo Challenge (GSC) 2027-2028, becoming the 8th confirmed participant in the second edition of the event. Posted on 28 Aug
GSC 2027 Presentation and Press Conference
At the Real Club Náutico de Vigo on Tuesday I am excited to invite you to the Real Club Náutico de Vigo for the presentation of the 2027-2028 edition of the Global Solo Challenge from its new host city of Vigo and its new host port and partner, the Real Club Náutico de Vigo. Posted on 22 Jul
Louis Robein's humble triumph
The inspiring and unstoppable sailor wins hearts in the Global Solo Challenge When Louis Robein sailed into A Coruna, clean-shaven and relaxed, it was easy to mistake him for a sailor returning from a gentle Sunday sail. Posted on 6 Jul
Jérôme Delire enters the GSC 2027-2028
Bringing a wealth of experience and a profound love for solo sailing to the event The Global Solo Challenge (GSC) is proud to announce the 6th official entry for the 2027-2028 edition: Belgian sailor Jérôme Delire. Posted on 19 Jun
Against the odds
Tales of the Global Solo Challenge 2023-2024 The Global Solo Challenge (GSC) 2023 marked the launch of a new solo nonstop round-the-world sailing event with a unique format. Posted on 15 Jun
Entries open for the GSC 2027-2028
Vigo will provide the perfect backdrop for the GSC The GSC offers a framework for non-elite sailors to achieve a common dream of completing a solo nonstop circumnavigation via the three great capes. Posted on 4 Jun
Vigo host city for 2027-2028 Global Solo Challenge
The move to Vigo marks a significant milestone in the event's evolution The Global Solo Challenge (GSC) is excited to announce that the vibrant city of Vigo and its prestigious Real Club Náutico de Vigo will be the starting and finishing port for the second edition of the event to be held in 2027-2028. Posted on 28 May