Polish Training Ship in Trouble

[Eleven]

The ship is now safely in Falmaouth Bay after a long tow. From TV pictures it looks as if the top three yard arms of the foremast have gone/ folded down, and perhaps the top two of the after mast. I know the standing rigging on these old sail ships is interlinked, not surprising that failure in one should affect the other.
There are some concerns at the age and experience of the younger crew members being expresssed on TV but the 'team' on board have dealt with a major emergency, taken appropriate action and recovered the situation. I hope it goes no further in this overprotected era.
The masts do look very tall. And TV continues to talk about f9 conditions although the coastguard at the time talked of f6. It would be a great shame to lose this fine ship, but it's not a good time to try and raise funds for an expensive overhaul. I hope she can be 'stored' until a sponsor is found.

[Misiu]

The owner of Fryderyk Chopin, European School of Law and Administration in Warsaw, plans to bring insurance and other experts and see if it is possible to make repairs in Falmouth and continue the trip. Some of the experts are already in Falmouth.
I don't think they consider losing or 'storing' her. It is more a question how extensive is the damage and where to fix it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXsWB73b10g

[Eleven]

Thanks for the pictures. The BBC quoted the coast guard as saying 'She's a bit of a mess.'
It was quite a task for the grown up crew to secure all the bits and pieces that were dangling from the break. I understand not much was actually lost.
I also note two jury rigged sails, presumeably to balance the boat better under tow?

[Eleven]

Have a look at 1min 20 to see what they had to work within. Major credit to the crew.

[Misiu]

Divers did not find any major issues with Chopin's hull and as soon as they manage to raise the broken bowsprit they will motor to Falmouth. The rescue operation will be over and the repair stage will start.
They already got some offers of new sails and financial assistance.
As far as I understand from media reports the bowsprit broke and caused the failure of both masts.

[delmarrey]

Well, Somebody built it! So, somebody should be able to repair it. After all what did the old Navies do after a broadside fire fight. They kept all sorts of different tradesman aboard to do repairs in those days.



.

[hummingway]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

Well, Somebody built it! So, somebody should be able to repair it. After all what did the old Navies do after a broadside fire fight. They kept all sorts of different tradesman aboard to do repairs in those days.
.

Yes and let the cat out of the bag if they didn't do it well and on time. None of this namby-pamby politely asking why the job isn't finished and wow isn't that a little pricey! Ah, the good old days