I had a delivery crew onboard with me sailing my 40 ft vessel from NQ down to Sydney. Despite having plans to enter Hervey Bay Marina around 0100 , the delivery skipper decided that anchoring out in the fairway in 25 knots of breeze, against the tide ,was a better idea. So after 2-3 hours of dragging ,I told him we were going into the marina.He protested that it was too shallow, he advised that I was then taking command of the vessel, I advised him I was, We tied up at the marina with no incident and all had a sleep . I was woken up at 1000 by what seemed like a train hitting the boat ., so i quickly rushed upon deck. The delivery skipper had decided to detach the screecher , without any notice to crew, in wind gusts exceeding 30 knots , there was a current wind warning for Hervey Bay and surrounding areas.
The 100 sq meter screecher unfurled in the high wind , the delivery skipper tried to hold onto the furler but was thrown around like a rag doll . The sail eventually got caught in the rigging , not only was the rig in danger of coming down , but the vessel was alongside and in danger of breaking its mooring lines and being totally out of control. There was obviously too much pressure on the halyard to lower it , so the halyard was cut . Now the screecher was flying above the 17 m mast like a kite , quite the spectacle . Eventually we lowered it , completely shredded, cabin window smashed from the furler hitting it , delivery skipper battered and bruised .
I asked him WTF are you doing working on a sail , in a marina , in 30 knots of breeze ?????
Why did you not notify crew of your intentions and have a safety back up plan ????
His reply " I am the master of this vessel and I do not need to ask anybody"
"I was trying to get a wrap out of the screecher "
My reply
" FFS its blowing 30 knots plus , what were you thinking ?"
His reply
"There was a lull"
The sheer arrogance and negligence from this clown is next level
I obtained his insurance details , terminated his contract and he left the vessel
There was close to 20 K in damages, he has denied any liability and still refers to himself as a Captain , what a joke
Anyone using a professional delivery skipper beware , check their history well . I am sure some do not like having
owners onboard as they are exposed as inept
