Keel loss on a mid-Atlantic delivery
The 40 ft Beneteau First capsized 720 nm SE of Nova Scotia; four British crew lost.
What happened.
The 40 ft Beneteau First Cheeki Rafiki lost its keel and capsized 720 nm SE of Nova Scotia during a delivery passage; four British crew lost.
On a transatlantic delivery from Antigua to the UK, Cheeki Rafiki lost her keel and inverted. An upturned hull was found but the four crew were never recovered. The MAIB investigation centred on prior groundings, the resulting matrix damage around the keel, and the repair history — a landmark report on keel-attachment integrity in production yachts.
What it teaches.
- 1Every grounding is a keel inspection. Cumulative matrix damage you can't see is the failure no checklist will catch unless you go looking after each impact.
- 2A liferaft you can't reach after a capsize is no liferaft. Stowage and clip-in discipline decide survival in a sudden inversion.
Where this comes from.
SeaWise indexes and links to primary sources; it does not host their reports or media. Crew are referred to by role unless documented consent is on file.
Procedures involved.
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