sailing yacht zuza

Video shows moments before superyacht went down in storm off Sicily

Newly released video captures a luxury superyacht being battered by a violent storm before it suddenly sank off Sicily with 22 people aboard Monday.

The grainy images obtained by NBC News and other outlets were recorded on closed-circuit television not far from where the Bayesian was anchored, about a half-mile from the port of Porticello, on Sicily’s northern coast .

The yacht's 250-foot mast, illuminated with lights and lashed by the storm, appears to bend to one side before it finally disappears and is replaced by darkness.

The speed with which a yacht built to handle the roughest seas capsized stunned maritime experts.  

“I can’t remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that, you know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size,” said Stephen Richter of SAR Marine Consulting.

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and five of the 22 other people who were aboard the 184-foot vessel remain unaccounted for and are believed to be trapped in the Bayesian’s hull, nearly 170 feet underwater.

Officials confirmed Monday that at least one person, the ship’s cook, had died.  

Superyachts like the Bayesian, which had been available for charters at a rate of $215,000 a week, are designed to stay afloat even as they are taking on water to give the people aboard a chance to escape, Richter said. 

“Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday,” Richter said. “They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed.”

Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered Bayesian could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world, according to CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters. 

On Tuesday, Italian rescue workers resumed the search for Lynch and the five other passengers still missing: Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife.

“The fear is that the bodies got trapped inside the vessel,” Salvatore Cocina, the head of civil protection in Sicily, told Reuters .

The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was one of the 15 people rescued Monday after it capsized.

“It’s extremely rare for a boat of this size to sink,” Richter said.

What’s not rare is the kind of storm that sank it , said Simon Boxall, senior lecturer in oceanography at Britain’s University of Southampton.

“People assume the Mediterranean is this rather calm and passive place that never gets storms and always blue skies,” Boxall said. “In fact, you get some quite horrendous storms that are not uncommon at this time of year.”

The president of Italy’s meteorological society has said Monday’s violent storm may have involved a waterspout, essentially a tornado over water, or a downburst, which occurs more frequently but doesn’t involve the rotation of the air.

Luca Mercalli, president of the Italian Meteorology Society, also said recent temperatures may have been a factor. 

“The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius [86 Fahrenheit], which is almost 3 degrees more than normal,” Mercalli told Reuters. “This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms.”

The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who two months ago was acquitted by a San Francisco jury of fraud charges stemming from the 2011 sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion.

Prosecutors alleged that Lynch, dubbed “Britain’s Bill Gates,” and Autonomy’s vice president for finance, Stephen Chamberlain, had padded the firm’s finances ahead of the sale. Lynch’s lawyers argued that HP was so eager to acquire Autonomy that it failed to adequately check the books .

Lynch had taken Morvill, who was one of his defense attorneys, on the luxury trip. 

Chamberlain was not on the Bayesian.

In what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a car struck and killed Chamberlain on Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.

“Steve fought successfully to clear his good name at trial earlier this year, and his good name now lives on through his wonderful family,” Chamberlain’s lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, said in a statement .

Henry Austin reported from London and Corky Siemaszko from New York City.

Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.

Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital.

Sailing Beetle

Discover Your Sailing Adventure

Close to nature, close to locals, close to yourself.

This Is Our Story

Hi! We are Adam and Zuza. Partners in travel and sailing.

We are excited to welcome you onboard s/y Beetle and show you a bit of the sailing world through our lens. Sailing is a way of travel that gives you the feeling of freedom and addictive shivers when you reach your destination. We want to share this experience with you! 

Join us on the Beetle and spend the nights on deck watching countless stars shining over the immensity of the ocean. Rediscover sunsets, reach one port after another and feel the thrill of sailing. 

~Adam and Zuza 

Team "Beetle"

Let's get to know each other

What Makes Us Special

Adventurous  crews.

We focus on adventurous people and help them find their way around

sailing. We love meeting new people and discovering the world through their lenses.

Personal Approach

We put extra effort to make you feel heard. If planes, weather, or the goals of the adventure change, we will consult everything with you and figure out the best solution available.

Hidden Gem Destinations

We want discover new places as much as you do! So we won't stick to the basics, we will explore and find the best, most unique locations wherever we find ourselves.

Testimonials

Ask Us Anything

[email protected] | +48 784 417 915

Thanks for submitting!

Epic journeys by land and sea

Venturesail take people to places they might not otherwise get to see - from the cornish coast to the caribbean.

• 12:16, 18 OCT 2019

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox

We have more newsletters

IT wouldn’t do for all married couples, but to Helen and Dougie Walker, living the dream meant spending their working lives together.

Manifesting that dream into a reality, however, when one partner’s profession is water-based and the other’s area of expertise is very much landlocked, is no easy feat.

Still, love will find a way, so they say, and the Walkers certainly have.

The sea-loving Yorkshire girl and the Scottish mountain man got on board with Truro-based VentureSail, who specialise in adventure holidays on the water, and, in essence, combined their skills to offer sailing and mountaineering/hiking holidays.

VentureSail makes it easy for nautical novices to taste life on the ocean wave, and get a crew’s eye-view of spectacular seascapes and wildlife from the deck of a ship, accessing inlets, nooks and crannies you’d struggle to reach by land or cruise liner.

From long weekends on the Cornish coast to Caribbean adventures, the aim is to take guests to hard-to-reach destinations and allow them to explore the back of beyond.

And there’s plenty to explore around the islands of the western Scottish coast.

Helen, a professional sailor for the past 20 years has worked as a charter skipper for several sailing schools and sail training organisations, steering everything from Brixham trawlers in Devon to round-the-world challenge boats before qualifying as a yacht master instructor in 2003.

Her journey started in the Lake District where, as a teenager, she discovered a love of dinghies.

A yacht sailing holiday in the Balearics led to taking her day skipper ticket and volunteering with the Ocean Youth Trust, a charity offering sail training to youngsters.

It was there, working with young people from difficult backgrounds, that she met husband Dougie. Inspired by the landscape of his native Scotland, Dougie’s passion lies in all things geological, getting off the beaten track in the great outdoors with a sturdy pair of walking boots and a compass.

He’s one of the top instructors in the UK with Mammut Mountain School, who organise all manner of outdoor adventure activities from ice climbing to avalanche training.

Between the two of them, they know this stretch of land and water as well as anyone.

So our party of novice sailors were in safe hands having boarded the expedition and wildlife viewing yacht Zuza in the reassuringly peaceful setting of Oban harbour.

Still, there’s few things guaranteed to secure your sea legs than heading straight into the teeth of a storm half an hour into your trip into loch.

No more than a mild breeze to the experienced crew, those of us with limited knowledge of sailing were thrust into action immediately, manning the rigging, hoisting the sails and quickly coming to terms with the realisation that team-work and taking responsibility will be a key feature of the weekend.

It’s all hands on deck in the most literal sense – businesses big on the benefits of team bonding exercises, look no further!

Zuza’s build and draft means she is able to access hidden anchorages so that guests can go ashore and walk untrodden paths in the stunning hidden gems peppered along the coastline – we anchored overnight in Loch Spelve, on the sparsely inhabited south-eastern coast of Mull, sitting atop perfectly still waters on thwe sparsely inhabited south-eastern coast of Mull.

Sailing from Oban offers many diverse options for exploring this stunning stretch of country – there are 790 islands in Scotland which vary greatly in culture, language, music and, of course, whisky!

Purpose built to live aboard, it’s a comfortable life on Zuza

Cabins are cosy and well equipped and there’s a professional chef making up part of the crew – we were well fed and taken care of in preparation for the next day’s climb to the summit of Creach Beinn.

Itineraries are flexible, in-keeping with the unpredictable weather of the region, so walks can be designed around the capability of the group as a whole, and the conditions at the time.

Conditions on the morning of our full-day hike were perfect, the dinghy ferrying us to land disturbing the peaceful waters of the loch for the first time that day. A rigourous climb to the top of Creach-Beinn was interspersed with a crash course in orienteering and the hard work was rewarded with stunning views along the coastline where Robert Louis Stevenson imagined the opening chapters of his historical fiction classic, Kidnapped. It’s wild country with few signs of civilisation.

Sea eagles circled above us and herds of deer maintained a safe distance from our party, cutting stark silhouettes against the dramatic skyline as they peered down at us from the mountain tops.

And the wildlife is equally when we’re back abundant on the water – we spotted dolphins and porpoises from the yacht, and there are basking sharks in the lochs, while further north towards the Shiant islands and St Kilda there are colonies of tens of thousands gannets, puffins, fulmars, guillemots and more.

These inhabitants, not to mention the landscape, make this a photographer’s dream and it’s not difficult, even for the rank amateur, to snap a winning shot up here.

But however good the image, there’s nothing quite like breathing in the air and experiencing it first hand.

VENTURESAIL is currently offering a four-day May Bank Holiday 2020 break in the Hebrides, sailing and exploring the islands on foot, for £464. It’s one of several special offers which can be found at venturesailholidays.com

Mammut Mountain School offer a range of outdoor adventures and can even put together bespoke challenges for those inspired to come up with their own ideas. See  mammutmountainschool.co.uk  for further information

• Travel reviews
• Most Recent

• Find Us On Facebook
• Find Us On Instagram

Captained and Bareboat Yacht Charter St Petersburg FL

The wildlife and nightlife of florida’s gulf coast.

Waypoints Florida offers elevated charter experiences in St. Petersburg, FL aboard new model yachts outfitted for comfort and performance. From our charter specialists to our captains, we know the best marinas, local hotspots, and more to help you maximize your cruise on the Tampa Bay.

During your charter vacation, you will enjoy beautiful seaside towns, secluded anchorages and fine marinas, white sandy beaches, sparkling blue waters, gentle winds, dolphins, and an array of wildlife. Bring your camera to capture the unforgettable Skyway Bridge and the multitude of seabirds, including ospreys, herons, egrets, and pelicans.

This Waypoints base also offers sunset cruises and corporate team building events.

Charter St. Petersburg with Waypoints ® to Experience:

• Daily, Weekend, and Week-Long Charters 
• Skippered, Bareboat, and ASA Certification Charters
• New Luxuriously Appointed Sailing and Motor Catamarans and Monohulls
• Yachts Equipped with Air-Conditioning and Ice Makers* 
• Provisioning and Personal Concierge Services

An Insider’s Viewpoint

“This is our second charter with Waypoints and we could not be more satisfied. Availability and pricing were clear, communication was prompt, and the staff was knowledgeable and nice. The Vinoy Marina is very convenient to a couple of airports so the crew had no problem coming in from all over the country. We think Waypoints is the best charter company available and already have another trip booked for January in St. Thomas!” Jim K.

“The entire team from the Waypoint dock manager, office staff, and dock hands as well as mechanics went above and beyond to make us have a great experience. Sailing Sereia changed me… it was such an incredible trip . With tears in my eyes, I left the boat and I have been counting the days until I can go back and sail her again. We loved all the crew we came in contact with – thank you again!” Constance M.

“We had a great experience with Waypoints Florida Yacht Charters! We spent four days in Florida on Leap of Faith and had a great time. It was our first sailing adventure. We explored Tampa Bay, Anna Maria, Egmont, Bradenton and Palma Sola. It was a great escape! “ Mark L.

Contact a Florida Charter Specialist Today

" * " indicates required fields

Notice of Use of Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to recognize your repeat visits and preferences, as well as to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and analyze traffic. To learn more about cookies view our Privacy Policy . By continuing to use our site, you consent to the use of cookies.

Advertisement

Supported by

Questions for Investigators Trying to Unravel Mystery of Luxury Yacht’s Sinking

The investigators searching for answers about the shipwreck, leaving seven dead, face questions about extreme weather and possible human error or problems with the yacht itself.

• Share full article

By Alan Yuhas

More than 180 feet long, with a mast towering about 240 feet and a keel that could be lowered for greater stability, the Bayesian luxury yacht did not, in the eyes of its maker, have the vulnerabilities of a ship that would easily sink.

“It drives me insane,” Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company that made the ship, said after its wreck last week. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

But the $40 million sailing yacht sank within minutes and with fatal results: seven dead, including the British technology billionaire Michael Lynch, his teenage daughter, four of Mr. Lynch’s friends and a member of the crew. Fifteen people, including the captain, escaped on a lifeboat.

Mr. Lynch had invited family, friends and part of his legal team on a cruise in the Mediterranean to celebrate his acquittal in June of fraud charges tied to the sale of his company to the tech giant Hewlett-Packard.

The Italian authorities have opened a manslaughter investigation, searching for answers from the survivors, the manufacturer and the wreck itself. They face a range of questions and possible factors.

An ‘earthquake’ in the sky?

When the Bayesian sank around 4 a.m. on Aug. 19, the waters in its area, about half a mile off the Sicilian port of Porticello, were transformed by an extremely sudden and violent storm, according to fishermen, a captain in the area and meteorologists.

But what kind of storm is still a mystery, compounded by the fact that a sailing schooner anchored nearby did not have its own disaster. Also unclear is whether the crew was aware that the Italian authorities had issued general warnings about bad weather the night before.

Karsten Börner, the captain of the nearby passenger ship, said he’d had to steady his ship during “really violent” winds . During the storm, he said, the Bayesian seemed to disappear behind his ship.

Severe lightning and strong gusts were registered by the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, according to Attilio Di Diodato, its director. “It was very intense and brief in duration,” he said.

The yacht, he said, had most likely been hit by a fierce downburst — a blast of powerful wind surging down during a thunderstorm. His agency put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about possible storms.

Locals have said the winds “felt like an earthquake.” A fisherman in Porticello said that he had seen a flare go off in the early-morning hours. His brother ventured to the site once the weather had calmed about 20 minutes later, he said, finding only floating cushions.

The Italian authorities have so far declined to say whether investigators had seen any structural damage to the hull or other parts of the ship.

Open hatches or doors?

The boat executive, Mr. Costantino, has argued that the Bayesian was an extremely safe vessel that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing. His company, the Italian Sea Group, in 2022 bought the yacht’s manufacturer, Perini Navi, which launched the ship in 2008.

Mr. Costantino said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, would be to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.

At a news conference on Saturday, almost a week after the sinking, investigators said the yacht had sunk at an angle , with its stern — where the heavy engine was — having gone down first. The wreck was found lying on its right side at the bottom of a bay, about 165 feet deep.

12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.

Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.

Open hatches, doors and

cabin windows could

have let in water

during a storm,

according to the

manufacturer.

Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic

By Veronica Penney

Water pouring into open hatches or doors could have contributed to the sinking, experts say, but that on its own may not account for the speed at which such a large boat vanished underwater.

Asked about the hatches at the news conference, the authorities declined to comment on whether they had been found open at the wreck.

The authorities have also not specified whether the boat had been anchored, whether it was under power at the time or whether its sails had been unfurled.

A retracted keel?

The Bayesian had a keel — the fin-like structure beneath a boat that can help stabilize it — that could be retracted or extended, according to its manufacturer. On some yachts, keels can be raised to let the large vessel dock in shallower water, and extended downward to help keep a boat level.

But like the hatches, the status of the keel alone may not explain why a large ship sank with such precipitous speed. Investigators have not disclosed what divers may have seen at the wreck, aside from saying divers had faced obstacles like furnishings and electrical wiring in tight quarters. Officials want to raise the wreck to better examine it, a process that may take weeks.

Human error?

Ambrogio Cartosio, the prosecutor in charge of the case, said at the news conference that it was “plausible” crimes had been committed, but that investigators had not zeroed in on any potential suspects.

“There could be responsibilities of the captain only,” he said. “There could be responsibilities of the whole crew. There could be responsibilities of the boat makers. Or there could be responsibilities of those who were in charge of surveilling the boat.”

It remains unclear what kind of emergency training or preparation took place before the disaster, or what kind of coordination there was during it. So far, none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened the night the ship sank.

Prosecutors said they want to ask more questions of the captain and crew, who have been in a Sicilian hotel with other survivors. They said that neither alcohol nor drug tests had been performed on crew members, and that they have been allowed to leave Italy.

Prosecutors also said they were also investigating why the captain, an experienced sailor, left the sinking boat while some passengers were still on board.

Besides possible manslaughter charges, the authorities are investigating the possibility of a negligently caused shipwreck.

The bodies of five passengers were found in one cabin, on the left side of the yacht, the authorities said. The five were most likely trying to flee to the higher side of the boat and were probably sleeping when the boat started to sink, they said.

Screen Rant

The fate of below deck sailing yacht after season 5 isn't promising (the show's reputation is damaged).

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now

90 day fiancé’s big ed brown reveals current relationship status after "scandalous" tell all with liz woods, the bachelor's joey graziadei "in talks" to join new reality show without kelsey anderson after relationship backlash.

• Gary's sexual misconduct scandal has permanently tarnished Below Deck Sailing Yacht.
• Bravo must remove Gary from future seasons for the show to regain its reputation.
• Season 5 may be in danger of cancellation due to Gary's scandal.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 is highly anticipated, but its fate isn't promising after Gary King 's sexual misconduct scandal was revealed. Captain Glenn Shephard leads the cast of the exciting spin-off aboard the Parsifal III, with Gary, Colin Macrae, and Daisy Kelliher's love triangle as the pinnacle of season 4's drama. However, after Gary's sexual misconduct allegations were revealed and later brushed under the rug by Bravo producers, the popular franchise staple could be in danger. Will Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 return?

During Below Deck Sailing Yacht filming in the summer of 2022, makeup artist Samantha Suarez escorted cast members back and forth for confessional interviews, including Gary. After a talking head in which Gary was visibly intoxicated, Samantha walked him back to his quarters, at which time Gary prevented her from leaving, even grabbing her from behind. While Bravo issued a statement, the allegations were barely addressed, and Gary still allegedly filmed Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5.

Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.

Gary King's Misconduct Scandal Has Put A Permanent Negative Stain On BDSY

Gary needs to go.

Gary's sexual misconduct scandal has put a permanent stain on Below Deck Sailing Yacht . He's openly struggled with professionalism and alcohol on the show for years. Additionally, this isn't the first time alcohol has gotten Gary in trouble with sexual harassment. While Daisy came to his defense, his love triangle with Daisy and Colin was also problematic, with Gary becoming distracted by the Below Deck drama. By casting Gary in Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5, Bravo indicated that sexual misconduct wasn't taken seriously by the network .

Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 Needs To Bring It For Bravo To Order Another Season

The series is in trouble.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 has allegedly already been filmed, with rumors swirling that Gary's scandal has halted its release. Given his prominence in the series, it would be difficult to edit Gary out of the show or even reduce his role. Therefore, it would be better for Bravo to scrap the current season entirely and film a new charter season for Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 .

It's the responsibility of Bravo producers to ensure the safety of the cast and crew during filming, and Samantha wasn't adequately protected from Gary's advances.

The cast and crew would need to bring it to revitalize the spin-off, or it's going to get canceled. Below Deck , Below Deck Mediterranean , and Below Deck Down Under are successful enough to continue without Below Deck Sailing Yacht . The popular cast members could go to another Below Deck series.

What Can Below Deck Sailing Yacht Producers Do To Fix The Show's Reputation?

They need to get rid of gary.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is a sinking ship , but not all hope is lost. Bravo producers have already shown their understanding of the seriousness of Gary's sexual misconduct by disinviting him to BravoCon in 2023. However, they need to further distance themselves from Gary and fire him from future seasons. If it's impossible to decrease his presence in Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5, the season needs to be scrapped. Only then can Below Deck Sailing Yacht return in good faith and conscience for another installment.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is available to stream on Peacock.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Not available

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is a spin-off of the Below Deck reality television series. Premiering on Bravo, the show follows the life of a Yacht crew as they attempt to navigate a busy Charter season in which many customers make use of a 177-foot sailing yacht. Over the first three seasons, the yacht has been to Greece, Croatia, and Spain.

• Yachting Monthly
• Digital edition

How to tension your yacht’s rig with wire or rod rigging

• August 28, 2024

Ivar Dedekam author of Illustrated Sail & Rig Tuning gives his guide on tensioning a yacht's wire or rod rigging

If you want to trim your rig correctly you should have some idea of the tension in the shrouds and stays, either by rules of thumb or a more exact method, such as this. Here, you measure the stretch of the wire as a percentage and then establish the tension as a percentage of the wire or rod’s breaking load.

You can either measure the stretch of all the wire or a part of it, e.g. 2m. Accuracy will improve with the sample length. Begin with a minimum tension in the wire.

Mark off a 2m length of the shroud on one side of the boat using the shroud terminal for reference. Measure the elastic extension (f) of the measured length as the rigging screws are alternately tightened, little by little. Stop when f = 3mm. (4mm on fractional rigs with aft swept spreaders).

Note that stretch of f = 1mm over a sample of 2m of the wire corresponds to 5% of breaking load independent of the wire diameter. For rod, an f = 1mm stretch over 2m corresponds to 7.5% of breaking load. Use a similar method to establish backstay tension. Remember that a different sample length will have a different stretch for the same load. Also remember that the stretch is always measured from hand tight wire/rod (minimum tension).

Mark up the shroud Mark up 2m of shroud using the terminal for reference…

Rod rigging is made of a straight, single strand. Wire rigging is made of many twisted strands. Normally rod rigging is 20% stronger than wire of the same diameter.

Wire has the advantage of an early warning of fatigue when a strand breaks. Fatigue in rod happens without any warning at all. It can be sudden and sometimes catastrophic.

Tensioning cap shrouds

When you have straightened the mast sideways and adjusted the rake, it is time to look at the cap shrouds. Tighten the cap shrouds to approximately 15% of breaking load. This corresponds to a stretch (f) of 3mm over a length of 200cm. On a fractional rig with aft swept spreaders the cap shrouds should be tensioned to 20% of the breaking load. This corresponds to a stretch of f = 4mm.

Measure the stretch…then measure the elastic extension when the rigging has been tightened.

To avoid excessive forestay sag upwind, the cap shrouds should be relatively highly tensioned. If 20% cap shroud tension is not sufficient to keep sag at an acceptable level, increase the tension to 25% of breaking load. Do not exceed this tension.

Slack rigging will produce shock loads that can cause rig failure and may even bring the mast down. Note that you will not be able to overtighten a wire of 40-50cm length with hand tools. The lower shrouds and intermediate shrouds should be quite loose at this stage.

If the mast has distinct bends you should try to straighten them by sight and hand tensioning.

Many yachtsmen intuitively tension their standing rigging and adjust it later when sailing has begun. This may lead to acceptable results but the methods described above, while taking some time, are more certain and reliable.

Enjoyed reading this?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price, so you can save money compared to buying single issues .

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals .

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

• Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
• Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.

Watch CBS News

Captain, 2 crew members from Mike Lynch's family yacht reportedly under investigation over sinking off Italy

By Anna Matranga

Updated on: August 28, 2024 / 10:47 AM EDT / CBS News

Rome — The engineer and a sailor from the crew of the luxury superyacht that sank off the coast of Sicily , killing British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter along with five other people, have been placed under investigation by Italian prosecutors along with the captain of the vessel, according to the Reuters and ANSA news agencies. CBS News could not immediately reach the prosecutors or lawyers for the Bayesian yacht's crew members to confirm the development, which comes about a week and a half after the vessel capsized on Aug. 19.

Engineer Tim Parker Eaton and sailor Matthew Griffiths, who was on night watch duty when the incident occurred, were reportedly placed under formal investigation for possible manslaughter and culpable shipwreck a few days after the 184-foot Bayesian yacht's captain, James Cutler, whose lawyers have confirmed that he's a subject of the probe.

After meeting with prosecutors for several days, Cutler, a 51-year-old New Zealander, has declined to answer any further questions, his lawyer said Wednesday.

"The captain exercised his right to remain silent for two fundamental reasons," attorney Giovanni Rizzuti told reporters. "First, he's very worn out. Second, we were appointed only on Monday and for a thorough and correct defense case, we need to acquire a set of data that at the moment we don't have."

Lynch and his daughter Hannah, 18, were among the passengers and one crew members who died when the superyacht sank rapidly during a violent storm in the pre-dawn hours of Aug. 19. The capsize of the high-tech vessel quickly raised questions, as another sailboat that had been anchored nearby off the coast of Palermo made it through the storm unscathed.  

Fifteen people, including Lynch's wife Angela Bacares, escaped to a life raft and were rescued by another boat that had been in the vicinity.

According to reports by Italian media, investigators are looking into whether the engineer, Eaton, might have neglected to activate security systems designed to automatically close all the hatches on the vessel, leaving the engine room to flood and possibly causing a power outage and the subsequent rapid flooding of the entire yacht.

Under Italian law, being placed under investigation does not necessarily mean formal charges will follow. 

During a press conference on Saturday, prosecutors said the investigation would require the wreck of the Bayesian to be salvaged from the seabed, where it currently sits at a depth of about 160 feet. 

Chief prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio said his team would work to determine whether the captain, other crew members, or the yacht's manufacturers bear any responsibility for the sinking. 

• Boat Accident

More from CBS News

Details emerge after Viking ship replica sinks, killing U.S. woman

Woman dead, 5 rescued after Viking ship replica sinks off Norway

"Curious" 4-year-old accidentally breaks a 3,500-year-old jar

Israel says hostage rescued in "complex operation" by troops in Gaza

Manslaughter Probe Launched After Bayesian Yacht Sinking Kills British Entrepreneur, Morgan Stanley Chief

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Italian authorities have launched a manslaughter investigation into the captain of the luxury Bayesian sailing yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily last week in a wreck that killed seven people, including Britsh tech entrepreneur Michael Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, and Morgan Stanley International director Jonathan Bloomer.

Italian Coast Guards take part in searches of missing off Porticello near Palermo, on Aug. 21, 2024.

Italian prosecutors will investigate James Cutfield, the captain of the Bayesian, for manslaughter after the ship sank in rough weather overnight on Aug. 18, multiple outlets reported Monday.

The investigation will look into if the crew of the ship appropriately handled the storm that hit the yacht before it capsized, if passengers were warned of imminent danger and if hatches on the ship were left ajar, which would have contributed to its quick sinking.

As part of the probe, the ship will be raised from the waters in which it sank later this year, CNN reported , at the cost of registered owner Angela Bacares, the wife and mother, respectively, of victims Michael and Hannah Lynch.

The Bayesian, named for a mathematical theory, is currently about 50 meters (164 feet) below the surface near the port of Porticello in Sicily, Italy, and sank less than a minute after it capsized.

Officials have said the passengers who died—Michael and Hannah Lynch, Jonathan and Judy Bloomer and Chris and Neda Morvillo—were likely asleep at the time of the sinking.

Notices of investigations into an incident must be issued in Italy before autopsies can be done on victims, Reuters reported , and the opening of a probe does not necessarily mean formal charges will follow.

Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here : joinsubtext.com/forbes.

Key Background

The Bayesian is a 184-foot luxury sailing yacht with a 246-foot aluminum mast—the tallest of its kind in the world. It is legally owned by Bacares and her late husband "had a lot of pride" in his yacht, a staff member told The Times of London. The Lynch/Bacares family was on board with seven guests and the boat was anchored when a storm hit overnight on Sunday, Aug. 18. The harsh weather included a " waterspout ," a tornado-like swirling column of air and water, that caused the vessel to top over and it was then quickly dragged underwater. Of the 10 passengers, six died in the capsizing and their bodies were recovered last week. There were also 12 crew members on board and one, Recaldo Thomas, also died. Among those resued were Bacares; Charlotte Golunski, a partner at Lynch's Invoke Capital, along with her partner and her baby daughter; lawyer Ayla Ronald and her partner.

Lynch, Bloomer and Morvillo were all involved in a massive fraud trial that saw Hewlett-Packard accuse Lynch and others of artificially inflating the value of his software company, Autonomy, before HP purchased it in 2011. Lynch was indicted for conspiracy and wire fraud in the sale but was acquitted alongside his co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain, who was killed in a car crash in the U.K. the same weekend the Bayesian sank in Italy. Bloomer testified for the defense at Lynch’s trial, according to the Associated Press , and Morvillo was one of the lawyers on the case.

Further Reading

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

 St. Petersburg Sailing Association

Welcome to SPSA!

The St. Petersburg Sailing Association is a dedicated group of sailors who race and cruise throughout the year on Tampa Bay. We are a relaxed, sailing-focused, volunteer-run club with one core mission: to encourage participation in the noble art of sailing . Let’s go sailing!

We always love to welcome new members. Whether or not you own a sailboat, joining SPSA is a fun, easy way to get involved in the sailing community and get on the water.

New to racing? No problem! Not only do we host cruising events and casual sailing opportunities, we also host regular racing seminars and would love to show you the ropes.

All of our 36 scheduled regattas, cruises, and educational seminars are included in the annual membership fee of just $55. That’s only $1.50 per event!

Still have questions? Send us an email to learn more: [email protected]

Dream Makers & Yacht Brokers

Helping turn your dreams into reality since 1984.

Preferred Yachts Display Center

Visit us at the harborage marina in charming downtown saint petersburg.

Get Results, List With Us

Since 1984, preferred yachts has earned a stellar reputation, one client at a time.

A Yacht Show Every Day

Explore in person 7 days a week or virtual tours online, 24 hours a day.

Take a 3D Virtual Tour of Our Listings

View our listings from the safety and comfort of your home.

Power or Sail - Big or Small

Explore one of florida's largest displays of brokerage yachts.

3D Virtual Tours, Display Center.

5 Reasons to list with us.

Our Team is Awesome!

Office Hours

OPEN MONDAY – SATURDAY, 9am – 5pm Sunday, by appointment

Information

Call (727) 527-2800 Put our Awesome Team to work for you

The Preferred Yachts Difference

We are full time professional yacht brokers, with a real office, in a real marina with real listings and a sincere passion to help our clients realize their boating dreams. Preferred Yachts is committed to the highest level of ethical, professional and knowledgeable representation for our clients.

Our Team is Awesome at Listings and Sales

Our membership in The IYBA is your assurance of professional and ethical representation as well as fair and standardized Listing and Selling Agreements. Through IYBA, We have a cooperative relationship with the best brokers in the business in order to find a buyer for your yacht or to find your next one.

Connect with Preferred Yachts

« Search holidays

Discover the Inner Hebrides, Jura & Colonsay & Corryvreckan

Select your preferred date

• Vessel : Zuza
• Where : Oban, Scotland
• Duration : 7 days
• Embark : North Pier, Oban - 28 August 2025, 14:00
• Disembark : North Pier, Oban - 3 September 2025, 10:00

Sail with comfy yacht Zuza to discover the Hebridean islands of Jura, Colonsay and Islay passing through the Gulf of Corryvreckan.

Join comfy expedition yacht Zuza in the bustling harbour town of Oban for a sailing holiday adventure in Scotland. Set the sails and head South to discover the fascinating islands of Jura, Colonsay and Islay and even stop off at some of Scotlands most prestigious distilleries.

From ancient fort ruins, abundant wildlife watching, wild sea swimming and atmospheric landscapes, you’ll quickly see why our guests return year on year. This voyage is perfect for those wanting to explore further into the Hebrides to reach islands that can only be accessed by boat. The friendly crew can show you the ropes if you want to get involved or you can simply sit back in the comfort of Zuza’s undercover wheelhouse and take in the majestic beauty of this stunning part of the world.

• Skippered sailing
• Private ensuite cabins
• All-inclusive meals
• Wildlife watching
• Great for beginners
• Tickets & Booking
• Sail area & highlights

Life on board

• Travel planning
• What's included
• Boat schedule

Your Sailing Area

The hebrides, scotland.

The land formations of the Hebrides features some of the oldest rock in the world and is made up of hundreds of islands, inhabited and uninhabited. There really is no better way to see this part of the world than from the water. One of our most popular sailing holiday destinations, the coasts and islands that make up the West Coast of Scotland offer so much variation for ours boats and guests, you will quickly see why our guests return year on year. Think panoramic landscapes where ancient woodlands roll into secret coves with swathes of inhabited islands for walking trails ashore.

Exactly which islands you explore during your sailing holiday with Zuza will entirely depend on the wind and tides. Once you have boarded, your skipper will have the latest weather forecast and will have a better idea of what you can expect from your holiday. Zuza’s crew and skipper have been sailing in the Hebrides for a number of years so they are all well-versed in the sailing areas and know all the best spots off the beaten track.

Jura, Colonsay & Islay

Jura was once the hideout for George Orwell as he wrote 1984  and it’s easy to see how he was inspired by the paradise of untouched nature and natural beauty that the island has to offer. The name Jura comes from the Norway and it means “Deer Island” and this still applies today with an estimated 5,500 deer and only around 180 inhabitants.!

Sitting between Jura and Colonsay lies the infamous whirlpool of Scarba (the third largest in the world!) lying in the Gulf of Corryvreckan. Don’t worry though, Zuza will steer well clear and instead you can watch this natural wonder on foot from the cliff on the coast of Jura.

The island of Colonsay has a varied landscape with some beautiful sandy beaches. The highest elevation is Carnan Eoin, 143 meters above sea level and Kiloran Bay is the most famous of many sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. From otters to seals to wild goats and a plethora of wild plants; Colonsay is rich in wild and unspoilt nature. A variety of destroyed ruins and fortresses lie scattered across the island perfect for some exploring.

Islay is probably best known for its many independent whisky breweries and if guests would like, it may be possible to explore these ashore. With many secluded anchorages, Islay provides ultimate tranquility.

Wonderful Wildlife in Scotland

Wildlife watching in the West Coast of Scotland is rewarded with a plethora of animals both on land and in the water.

Sightings of seabirds such as Black Guillemots can be seen in their hundreds and white-tailed eagles soar along the West Coast of Scotland. Sailing on Zuza is often rewarded with widespread sightings of birds of prey like Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrowhawks and Peregrines and, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the diminutive Merlin.  Scotland is also home to Fulmars, Hooded Crows, and snowstorms of Gannets diving for food on the open sea.

There are frequent encounters with Common, Bottlenose & Whitebeak dolphins onboard these trips, and Risso & White-sided dolphins are also occasionally sighted. Basking sharks have been scarce the last few years but are still seen and seem to be returning – and we know the hot spots! There are plenty of whales in this part of the world too. Our most common encounters are with Minke – Humpbacks are a less frequent visitor, while the real star of the show is the resident pod of Orca if you’re lucky enough to see them gliding through the water. So keep your eyes peeled and have your binoculars at the ready!

All voyages for Zuza

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Bermudan Cutter

Built in 1998, Zuza has had an interesting life on the water. After being launched in South Africa, the British Royal Geographical Society chose Zuza to be an offshore base for an international marine research project off the east coast of Africa, where her features and reliability helped to facilitate groundbreaking marine research.

This expedition yacht has a double hull and Bermudan Cutter rig, which makes her very smooth and steady on the water, and is perfect for those that want to learn more about sailing or to just sit back and enjoy the ride in the comfort of the warm and dry wheelhouse.

Zuza has an experienced crew and spends her season sailing around the inner and outer Hebrides in Scotland. With trips to St Kilda, Mull, Jura, Barra, The Small Isles and Skye, Zuza can sail to locations that are not accessible by the larger cruise boats in this area which make her perfect for sailing holidays in Scotland . Her quiet approach also stands her in good stead as to not scare off wildlife, which means she can get as close as is fair to the plethora of marine and wildlife that calls Scotland home.

She has a modern cutter rig and operates her sails with an easy and safe winch system. So if exploring hard to reach Scottish islands and wildlife watching in comfort is the sort of experience you are seeking, then Zuza is the boat for you!

Below Decks…

Zuza accommodates eight guests with versatile living room both on and below deck. Unusually for a vessel of this size, she has two lovely private double ensuite cabins, which are often popular with guests travelling as couples. There are also another two private twin-berth cabins with bunk-bed style accommodation that share a bathroom. Alternatively, an executive double cabin with ensuite and dressing room can be made by combining the twin cabins.

Zuza’s versatile accommodation makes her a great fit for all party sizes whether you are smaller group, couple, solo traveller or are looking for a private charter. She has a comfortable saloon that is perfect for getting to know each other; trading sea-faring stories and enjoying some of the delicious food prepared by the chef. The saloon is adjacent to the well-equipped galley that serves as the chef’s workstation, and there are lots of windows throughout to make the most of long summer evenings and wildlife watching with a glass of chilled wine.

Exploring Scotland and the Hebrides with expedition vessel Zuza is perfect for couples and solo travellers looking to discover this hard to reach destination from the water. With so many islands to explore, travelling by boat certainly takes guests to places far away from the tourist hotspots.

Getting involved

Sailing with Zuza requires no previous sailing experience so you can sit back and enjoy the views, however, if you wish, the crew are more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm! She has a sloop rig with modern winches so is a great boat to learn the ropes on.

Sleeping, eating and relaxation

Along with the skipper and first mate, there is also an onboard chef ready to cook you locally sourced and freshly prepared meals. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all included in your ticket price and the crew will definitely indulge you after a day of sailing in the fresh sea air!

Zuza was originally built as an expedition vessel so her space below decks is well considered. She has two twin cabins (that can be turned into a XL double ensuite by request) and two double ensuite cabins. A generous saloon sits next to a compact galley while the navigation station and helm sit at deck level in a covered wheelhouse with 360degree windows – perfect for wildlife watching in comfort!

Wherever you sail with Zuza, be sure that the views will be breathtaking and the wildlife in abundance, so have your eyes peeled and your binoculars at the ready for a wonderful trip. With all inclusive food, private cabins and comfy social spaces, this is a sailing holiday adventure in the Hebrides not to be missed!

As with all Zuza’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft drinks. All cabins are available for single occupancy at a 50% surcharge. All cabins have bedding and towels provided. 

What’s included

• All-inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soft/hot drinks)Sorry, this boat can’t cater for Vegans or gluten-free diets.
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and from the boat
• Offshore sailing jackets for use in emergencies. These are not permitted to be taken off the boat

What’s not included

• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel Insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

Yes, all meals are included in the price unless you go ashore.(Breakfast, lunch, dinner, soft/hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

Meat eaters and vegetarians only. It's a small galley!

There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.

Zuza has 2 double ensuite bed cabins and 2 twin bunk cabins.

Yes, all cabins have at least one window and/or deck hatch.

An ensuite with each double cabin and a shared bathroom for the twin cabins.

All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

No, Zuza does not have laundry on board.

Yes, there is heating throughout the boat.

Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G.

Zuza has 5v USB-A sockets, 12v car cigarette lighter type sockets and 230v UK 3 pin mains sockets.

GBP - pounds sterling.

Zuza is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy.

Zuza does have some aboard for emergencies, but please bring your own if you can.

No, absolutely not - just a love for adventure.

No, but she does have some fishing gear!

Everyone reacts differently on a boat. Zuza has a double hull so is very steady and smooth to sail - which helps with the motion of the boat. We recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

8+ years but 8-18yrs please check with the office as it can vary from voyage to voyage.

Travel Planning

From: North Pier, Oban

To: North Pier, Oban

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

TRAVEL PLANNING

From:  North Pier

To:  North Pier

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the  sail area & highlights.

GETTING THERE

Oban, scotland.

There is ample parking in Oban if you arrive by car. Secure parking can be found at MacQueen Bros or Stoddards Parking, or you could try the Tesco carpark and pay for 24-hour parking on arrival using the Your Parking Space app.

Oban station is a 5-10 minute walk from North Pier. Trains run six times a day to Glasgow Queen Street Station, which has good travel links to the rest of the UK.

Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban, which takes approximately 2-3hours. Flights go directly to Stansted Airport.

Guest Reviews

More holidays in scotland.

Sailing the Outer Hebrides; Isles of Lewis & Harris

• 23 May 2025, 7 days
• Vessel: Zuza
• Port: Oban, Scotland
• Board type: Full Board

Remote Islands & Wonderful Wildlife: Sailing the Hebrides

• 27 May 2025, 7 days
• Vessel: Steady

Exploring the Caledonian Canal from Oban to Inverness

• 20 October 2024, 7 days
• Vessel: Flying Dutchman
• Port: Scotland
• Board type: Half Board

• 10 August 2025, 7 days

Hebridean Wildlife Watching and Sailing Experience

• 3 August 2025, 8 days
• Port: Ullapool, Scotland

North Sea Expedition Adventure from Iceland to Faroe & Scotland

• 13 September 2025, 15 days
• Vessel: Valiente
• Port: Iceland/Scotland

Tall Ship Sailing, Whisky Distilleries & Folk Music in Scotland

• 11 May 2025, 6 days

Short Break Sailing & Wildlife Watching in the Hebrides

• 24 October 2025, 4 days
• Vessel: Stravaigin

Tall Ship Short Break Sailing in the Hebrides

• 24 May 2025, 4 days
• Vessel: Bessie Ellen

Tall Ship Taster Experience in the Hebrides

• 13 June 2025, 4 days
• Vessel: Blue Clipper

More holidays on Zuza

Hebridean Sailing & Wildlife Encounters Mull, Skye and the Small Isles

• 6 September 2025, 7 days

Scottish Short Break Taster Sailing around the Isle of Mull

• 16 June 2025, 5 days

Scottish Sailing & Wildlife Watching in Skye & the Small Isles

• 10 July 2025, 7 days

Puffin explorer sailing Mull, Staffa & the Inner islands

• 15 May 2025, 7 days
• 23 August 2025, 4 days
• 14 September 2025, 7 days
• 3 August 2025, 7 days

Expedition Sailing Adventure to St Kilda & the Outer Islands

• 29 June 2025, 10 days

Latest from our journal

Top 5 places to visit in Croatia: Dalmatian Coast

The History of the Brixham Trawler

The Ultimate Guide to Lofoten Islands Holidays

5 of the best coolcation holidays on the water

Sign up for email offers, as featured in.

Never see this again please

Sie verwenden einen veraltete Webbrowser. Aktualisieren Sie Ihre Version von Internet Explorer oder Installieren Sie einer modernen Webrowser um diese Site in vollen Umfang zu erleben.

Welcome to Intelligent Sailing.

(left to right) - i.s 42 jeanneau - i.s 35 beneteau - i.s 32 jeanneau., bavaria, beneteau, jeanneau, lagoon, leopard, seawind, now in our 21st year. featuring monohulls and catamarans , we are a sailing school, a boat club & we offer captained charters., exclusive to the harborage marina with premium slips, offering brand new yachts - all yachts range from new to in service a few years.., i ntell i gent sa i l i ng offer i ng monohull & catamaran opt i ons to sa i l introducing the intelligent sailing fleet -, the i .s 38c - new 2023 seawind 1160 catamaran, the i .s 42c - new 2024 leopard 42 catamaran, the i .s 50c - go cat, newly refurbished, voyage 500 catamaran ., & the following monohulls, i .s 32 new 2021, i .s 34 new 2023, i .s 35 new 2020, i .s 38 new 2022 go b i g, i .s 42 new 2021 go b i gger, i .s 51 new 2023 go bold, we continuously bring you brand new yachts, i .s 32 new 2021 jeanneau 319, i .s 34 new 2023 bavaria 34, i .s 35 new 2020 beneteau 35.1, i .s 38 new 2022 bavaria 38, i .s 42 new 2021 jeanneau 410, i .s 51 new 2023 jeanneau 490.