Crossing oceans and saving lives

Cinderella di San Remo crew

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is a pinnacle event for sailors, combining the thrill of adventure with the challenges of a transatlantic voyage. For John De Giorgio, this year's rally aboard Cinderella di San Remo marked the culmination of years of preparation and a lifelong dream. But the journey wasn't just about crossing the Atlantic—it became a story of quick thinking and teamwork in an emergency.

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Answering a Mayday call from the distressed Karolina Viking, John and his crew undertook a challenging rescue operation in rough seas. Their efforts not only saved five lives but also highlighted the importance of preparation, modern technology, and the unwavering camaraderie of the sailing community.

John, participating in the ARC Atlantic Rally for Cruisers is a dream for many sailors. What inspired you to join this year's rally, and how have you prepared for the transatlantic crossing aboard Cinderella di San Remo?

Participating in the ARC has been a long-standing aspiration of mine, and this year, the timing was finally right to turn that dream into reality. The rally is iconic among sailors, offering a unique blend of challenge and camaraderie.

The couple who own the boat led much of the preparation for this journey. They ensured we met the rigorous safety standards set by the World Cruising Club while also addressing the wear and tear that a transatlantic crossing inevitably brings. Every detail, from equipment checks to provisioning, had to be meticulously planned.

Since our crew only met together online and individually with the owners for the first time a few months before the start, we focused on building rapport and coordinating logistics. Regular Zoom meetings helped us align on essentials like provisioning, medical preparedness, onboard roles, and safety measures.

On a personal level, I upgraded my safety gear and pursued further training to enhance my skills, culminating in certification as an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore through Prosailing. Despite my 50+ years of sailing experience, I believe in constantly learning and preparing for the unexpected.

In Las Palmas, we had an intense week of final preparations—fixing minor issues, organising provisions, and ensuring the boat was in top condition. This collective effort bonded us as a team before setting sail.

Your quick response to the Mayday call and subsequent rescue of the five crew members aboard Karolina Viking was remarkable. Could you describe what went through your mind when you first heard the call and how you and your team managed the operation?

I had just come off my watch at 03:00 when the Mayday call from Karolina Viking came in over the VHF. The distress was palpable, but the signal was unclear, particularly the coordinates. Recognising the urgency, we immediately acknowledged the call to reassure them they had been heard.

We quickly woke the skipper and crew to assess the situation. We knew we were likely to be the closest vessel based on our earlier AIS observations. Coordinating with ARC Emergency staff and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres in Martinique and Cabo Verde confirmed this. With no commercial vessels nearby, the responsibility fell to us.

Communication was critical. Once we established contact with Karolina Viking via WhatsApp, we gained a clearer picture of their situation, including video evidence of their damage, precise location, and needs. Initially, at approximately 25 nautical miles behind us, we reset our course, reconfigured the four sails we were flying, and began heading back toward them.

The conditions were challenging—30-knot headwinds and rough seas – and, since they were travelling towards Cabo Verde at 5 knots, our journey took 10 hours. We maintained constant communication, refining our rescue plan as we approached. While there is much training and information available on how to get into a life raft, there is not much on picking people up from one up. We hatched a plan. Once we arrived on-site, we deployed a 100-meter floating line with a fender.  The distressed crew got into their life raft with their grab bags and cut off from the catamaran. This was a heart-wrenching moment.  We then circled their life raft with our floating line, which, after three attempts, they could grab hold of to facilitate a safe transfer from their life raft to our deck. This method proved effective, even in the turbulent seas.

You mentioned using VHF, WhatsApp, and Starlink tools during the rescue operation. How critical was this technology in coordinating the rescue, and do you think modern communication tools are transforming safety at sea?

Modern communication tools like Starlink and WhatsApp were game-changers during the rescue. The initial Mayday via VHF was unclear, but WhatsApp allowed us to exchange precise coordinates, view videos of their damage, and maintain consistent communication throughout the ordeal.

Starlink, in particular, has revolutionised safety and community-building at sea. Preliminary data suggests that 80% of ARC boats had Starlink aboard, enabling high-speed internet access. This connectivity supported safety operations and vibrant community chats among participants, with boats sharing technical advice, medical guidance, and even morale-boosting messages.

Given its impact, I strongly advise against undertaking an event like the ARC without Starlink. It's a vital tool that enhances safety, coordination, and the overall experience.

What were the most significant challenges you faced during this incident regarding the conditions and the logistics of accommodating additional crew on Cinderella di San Remo? Were there any lessons learned that you'd share with fellow sailors?

The challenges were multifaceted, from battling rough seas during the rescue to accommodating an additional five people aboard for the 11-day journey to Saint Lucia. Thankfully, Cinderella di San Remo was well-suited to the task. As a 22-meter Jongert weighing 63 tonnes, she's built for stability and comfort in adverse conditions. The pilothouse provided excellent protection for the crew, and her robust water and fuel reserves—2,100 litres of water, 2,000 litres of diesel, and a water-maker capable of producing 200 litres per hour—ensured we were well-prepared. We also had plenty of food aboard.

While the boat had six berths, we improvised additional sleeping arrangements in the saloon, pilothouse, and cockpit on dry nights. Everyone adapted quickly; having extra hands on deck and in the galley was a bonus.

One crucial lesson was the effectiveness of the floating line during the rescue. It's a simple yet invaluable method I'll use in future emergencies.

You've undoubtedly had many experiences throughout your sailing career. How does this rescue operation compare to other moments you've had at sea? Has it changed your perspective on the responsibilities of sailors toward one another?

This rescue was unlike anything I've experienced in my 50+ years of sailing. It was an emotional journey, not only because of the gravity of the situation but also because of the bonds we formed with the rescued crew. Their gratitude and positive attitude enriched our experience, turning a potential tragedy into a testament to the solidarity of the sailing community.

While the experience reaffirmed rather than changed my perspective, it underscored the deep sense of duty sailors share. Responding to a Mayday is instinctive, but this operation highlighted the importance of creativity and preparation, like using the floating line, in achieving a successful outcome.

How did your crews adjust after such an intense experience?

The adjustment was seamless, thanks to the resilience and gratitude of both crews. Our immediate priority was their well-being—providing meals and rest – they had not slept or eaten a proper meal for 36 hours and a few days to recover before integrating them into our watch cycle. Their willingness to help and adapt made the transition smooth. They were lovely people.

The shared experience enhanced our experience and created a bond that I believe will last well beyond this rally. We are already discussing future events, such as the May Day weekend RMYC Marzamemi race…...

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