"Showtime" loses keel

[chrisr]

Just heard a rumour that a Ker 40 "Showtime" (ex "Midnight Rambler") on way back from Sydney / Hobart race, has lost her keel off NSW south coast

Understand all 7 crew are safe and boat is still afloat (although upside down of course)

Boat bio indicates a 'new lighter, deeper keel' was fitted recently. glad it wasn't me that did the design / construction work on that...

anybody have further info ?

cheers,

[GordMay]

Reported on ‘Sailing Anarchy’
"Drama overnight. At around 2:30am Showtime set off it's Epirb off the NSW coast on way back from Hobart . It is believed that the keel broke away and the boat overturned. All crew were able to make it out and launch the life raft. Now all safe in police boat on way to Port Kembla. Well done to Rob Buchanan and crew for handling such a dangerous situation so well. And thanks to Marine Rescue who responded immediately and professionally."

From Dec 30/19:
“ Mark Griffith's LCE Showtime and her crew of nine arrived into dock yesterday afternoon, with Griffith commenting, "A bit of everything, but overall glamour conditions. We had just one night of extreme sailing. And yes, we'll be back next year. That's the plan.
On the Ker 40's current 57th overall, the Pittwater, NSW yachtsman said, "We need to make our boat more optimized for offshore sailing." ...
➥ https://www.sail-world.com/news/2253...--Weve-arrived

“Showtime has undergone a comprehensive optimisation program over the last year. This includes a deeper lighter keel, longer sprit and enhanced sail wardrobe. Results so far have exceeded expectations, with a seventh overall IRC in the 2018 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race.
➥ https://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/th...2018/showtime/

[Orion Jim]

That new keel is deeper than they had planned for.
Glad all hands made it back safely. A tragedy was averted.

[belizesailor]

Lucky sailors to be alive.