Hi Ken,

This year the VOR is being run with much smaller crews than in the past... There's been lots of discussion re how hard these guys are pressing themselves, and we all know how grueling these boats are to sail...

I definitely get the impression the 'Navigators' on these boats are really much more 'Weather Routers', than anything else... And, they were dealing with trying to find wind in the dying effects of a tropical cyclone in that part of the world, not hard to imagine the navigator's attention being more heavily focused on Gribs and WeFax charts, than outright navigation...

However, this following dispatch from DONGFENG, who cut these reefs and islands extremely closely, is really astonishing to read... One can only assume they either carry no paper charts on board, or never bother to look at them... (emphasis mine):

November 30, 2014 Yann Riou OBR, Dongfeng Race Team
Go to team website

“Beautiful islands in the middle of nowhere, but right in the middle of our route!” (Charles)

That was the reflection of Charles Caudrelier just after passing the Cargados archipelago. Shortly after we gybed, a bit later than our closest rivals, right at the time of the big wind shift, but without anticipating that this shift would be so strong that it would take us onto a direct route to the island.

A little moment of hesitation during which we asked which side we should pass.

“A small navigation error which cost us two to three miles.” It could have been worse.

Charles had noticed this archipelago a few days ago. But it’s worth noting that it’s actually pretty hard to find. In fact, to see it on our electronic charts, you have to zoom right in on top of it. But how and why would you zoom into it if you don’t know it’s there in the first place?

So whilst we don’t know exactly what happened on Vestas, we can imagine how it happened. In any case it’s been a big shock for us to hear the news. It’s still hard to believe it happened.

At least no-one was hurt. But for sure it’s a very bad news. For Vestas and the race.

But how and why would you zoom into it if you don’t know it’s there in the first place? UFB... Well, by simply glancing at the relevant paper chart of the Indian Ocean, perhaps? Hell, even the cover index page of the British Admiralty Chart Catalogue indicates their presence...

http://mdnautical.com/img/pdf/H.pdf

Here's a link to a post on Sailing Anarchy showing the tracks of the fleet, and how close - particularly DONGFENG - passed by these reefs... Wow...

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge:

http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtopic=162186&p=4754258

best regards,

Jon