Farr X2 crew in dramatic offshore rescue

The $300,000-plus, 30-foot Farr X2, launched in May as the first hull in what its makers aim to become a specialist short-handed race boat, was competing in a 100 nautical mile offshore qualifier on July 2 ahead of the Sydney-Gold Coast race later this month when the keel broke off and the boat inverted about 15 nautical miles off the coast at Woolongong.

Onboard were two female crew members, who were forced to cling to the upturned hull for about 15 hours before being rescued.

In a statement issued after the incident, Farr said the boat was sailing into a building breeze and significant seaway when “the keel attachment failed, resulting in a capsize”.

“We are very thankful that the two crew were safely recovered and for the swift action of the Royal Australian Navy Destroyer HMAS Brisbane for rescuing the sailors in very challenging conditions,” Farr said.

“Attempts are underway to recover the vessel to allow a thorough investigation process into the cause of this incident. 

“We take the safety of all the crews who sail on boats of our design very seriously and our design team is working with the builders, component suppliers and the composite structural engineers … to identify the root cause and to implement any necessary design, material or build process changes required to ensure this cannot happen again.

“We will provide further information after completing a review of all available information.” 

Nexba Racing, the team that had hoped to race the Farr X2 to claim the first-ever shorthanded Sydney Hobart line honours win in the event’s history, said it would launch its own investigation into what happened.

Nexba Racing comprises skipper Alice Tarnawski, and crew Bryony Gregory and Clare Costanzo. It is believed Tarnawski and Costanzo were on the boat.

Nexba Racing said the Farr X2 capsized about 1am “ in light to moderate breeze and 1-2m seas” on Saturday morning as the team was on its way back home to Pittwater.

According to the Royal Australian Navy, the pair were not reported missing until 1pm.

“After spending 15 hours drifting out to sea with the upturned vessel, the team were rescued and are now safe on land, and have recovered in hospital with minor injuries,” Nexba Racing said.

“They are not yet ready to talk about their ordeal in a public forum and are grateful for space at this time. They will release a statement when they are ready.”

In the meantime, the rescued crew said it was “so grateful to have survived an awful ordeal”. 

“Thank you so greatly in particular to everyone who assisted in the team’s rescue effort, especially the incredible and highly trained team from the HMAS Brisbane, the crew of the Arietta Lily [a passing bulk carrier that spotted the upturned yacht in the hours after it was reported missing], the water police, marine rescue, 000 and the many parties who helped in communicating our position,” it said in a statement posted on the team’s social media.

Nexbra Racing said it would launch a full investigation into the events leading up to the boat’s inversion, and the efforts made by the team to survive “so that others can learn from this experience and avoid such a terrible ordeal”.

“We will see you all on the water again very soon.”

The Farr X2 has since washed up on a beach south of Sydney.

The boat is a collaboration between Sydney-based Vicsails and Farr Yacht Design. It has launched as a complete step-aboard package costing $US230,000 ($A323,000) that comes ready to race with all sails and instruments included – the only thing the new owner needs to organise is safety gear.

It carries up to 1000kg of fixed and 250L of water ballast, and uses a composite covered cast iron fin and lead bulb fixed to the hull with what Farr describes as a male/female cassette-style keel connection. 

Images of the inverted boat show the keel has fully detached from the hull.