And Dream of Sheep

On the Fastnet Race disaster of August 1979:

• Winds were reported at Force 6, with gusts of Force 7. Forecasters were predicting winds of Force 8.
• In the event, competitors were caught in Force 11 hurricane strength gusts midway between Land's End and Fastnet.
• The rescue effort included: Royal Navy ships, RAF Nimrod jets, helicopters, lifeboats, a Dutch warship, tugs, trawlers and tankers.
• Many of the smaller yachts taking part in the competition were not equipped with a radio and were therefore not able to report their positions.
• By the time the winds subsided, 15 people were dead, 24 crews had abandoned their yachts and five craft had sunk. 136 sailors were rescued.