We were going so fast! Leading the 2024 Gulfport to Pensacola 100 mile offshore sailboat race by a significant margin on a 31ft trimaran sailboat. Our on shore discussion included strategy, safety and weather discussions. We were very prepared for what we were headed into.

A little less than half way through the race, a thin line of thunderstorms began developing from behind us. We were carrying full sails including the big downwind spinnaker. As we watched the storm engulf the rest of the fleet, we paid special attention to how the boats were affected. Most boats were able to keep their spinnakers up, so we did as well.

As the storm overcame us, we continued along at a very fast pace, still feeling very much under control. Suddenly, a 40+ kt puff slammed the boat from behind. Simultaneously, the bow of the boat stuffed into a 6-8ft wave. This resulted in an immediate and violent round up. The boat capsized.

Unfortunately, I had tethered myself to the main hull and ended up trapped beneath the wide trampoline with my PFD fully inflated. Thankfully, the waves were big enough that occasional air pockets would provide some air to breath. I eventually released a snap shackle that I had placed for just this type of event and made my way from under the boat.

All four members of the crew were able to climb onto the hull of the capsized boat. As we waited, one of the crew members pointed at my PFD and asked “is that a PLB?”. I didn’t even remember that I had it on me until he saw it! We activated the ResQLink. We alerted the Coast Guard. They in turn alerted my wife. It took about two hours for Coast Guard from Dauphin Island to reach and rescue us.

The Coast Guard requires a debriefing for these types of rescues. After we told them all the facts we could remember, the reply was “I’m sorry that this happened to you, but you guys were the most prepared crew we have ever rescued“.