https://www.gotheborg.se/news/rescue-of-sailing-boat/ Jump to content * Contact us * Press Rederi Gotheborg AB Rederi Gotheborg AB * Expedition + About the expedition + Ship's position + Sailing legs + Stopovers + Previous stopovers + Partners & Suppliers * Join us + Sail with us + Professional crew + Volunteer * Visit us + Rotterdam + Hamburg + Gothenburg jubilee festival * News * About Gotheborg + About the ship + The ship's history + Previous expeditions + About the company + Contact * Contact us * Press * Tickets * * Tickets * * European Tour 2023 Sailing boat rescued by the Gotheborg 03 May 2023 Imagine losing your rudder out at sea and sending out a distress call. And then the largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship in the world comes to your rescue. Or in the words of the sailors on the sailing boat: "This moment was very strange, and we wondered if we were dreaming. Where were we? What time period was it?" This all happened off the coast of France last week. To our knowledge it is the first time that an east indiaman, and the first time for Gotheborg, to engage in such a rescue. Now we also have the images and story from the sailing vessel that was rescued. Sailing boat rescued by the Gotheborg Photo: David Moeneclaey Tuesday last week, the 25^th of April, Gotheborg of Sweden was heading for the upcoming portstop in Jersey. Just after 4pm, a distress call was sent by the MRCC regarding a sailing vessel that had lost its rudder and was drifting. Being the closest ship to the sailing boat, Gotheborg answered the call. The sailing boat was towed after the Gotheborg during the night from the 25th to the 26th of April. In the morning the 26th of April, a French search and rescue boat from the port of Paimpol came and met up off the French coast. Two days ago, Monday 1st of May, the crew at the Gotheborg again came into contact with the two sailors on the sailing vessel, and they shared their side of the stories and photos. They did not expect an 18th century merchant ship to come to their rescue. Or in their own words: "This moment was very strange, and we wondered if we were dreaming. Where were we? What time period was it?" For us it was an honour to be able to help out, and an experience for everyone on board! Scroll down to read the full story of the sailors on the sailing boat. Gotheborg approaching. Photo: David Moeneclaey Gotheborg approaching. Photo: David Moeneclaey Photo: David Moeneclaey Photo: David Moeneclaey Sailing boat on tow. Photo: David Moeneclaey Sailing boat on tow. Photo: David Moeneclaey Sailing boat on tow. Photo: Linus Hjelm Sailing boat on tow. Photo: Linus Hjelm Sailing boat on tow. Photo: Linus Hjelm Sailing boat on tow. Photo: Linus Hjelm Keeping watch. Photo: Linus Hjelm Keeping watch. Photo: Linus Hjelm Search and rescue boat arriving from Paimpol in France. Photo: Linus Hjelm Search and rescue boat arriving from Paimpol in France. Photo: Linus Hjelm Sailing boat route. Photo: David Moeneclaey Sailing boat route. Photo: David Moeneclaey Text from the sailors on the sailing vessel Corto On April 25th at 01:00, we left Cherbourg and set sail for Camaret (the tip of Brittany). We are two experienced sailors on board (Simon and me) with the objective of bringing the boat to Southern Brittany. At 15:30, we were at sea, more than 50 nautical miles from the coast, when our rudder broke. After sending a PAN-PAN call on the VHF radio, the three-masted sailboat Gotheborg quickly responded to our call, offering to tow us to Paimpol (France). We repeatedly emphasized that we were aboard a small 8-meter sailboat, but the response was the same each time: "We are a 50-meter three-masted sailboat, and we offer our assistance in towing you to Paimpol." We were perplexed by the size difference between our two boats, as we feared being towed by a boat that was too large and at too fast a speed that could damage our boat. The arrival of the Gotheborg on the scene was rapid and surprising, as we did not expect to see a merchant ship from the East India Company of the XVIII century. This moment was very strange, and we wondered if we were dreaming. Where were we? What time period was it? The Gotheborg approached very close to us to throw the line and pass a large rope. The mooring went well, and our destinies were linked for very long hours, during which we shared the same radio frequency to communicate with each other. The crew of the Gotheborg showed great professionalism and kindness towards us. They adapted their speed to the size of our boat and the weather conditions. We felt accompanied by very professional sailors. Every hour, the officer on duty of the Gotheborg called us to ensure everything was going well. The next day, as we approached the French coast, we radioed for another boat to help us enter the port, but no one responded positively. Around noon, the Gotheborg approached us as closely as possible and stayed by our side until the arrival of a French rescue boat to ensure that everything would go well for us before letting us go. This adventure, very real, was an incredible experience for us. We were extremely lucky to cross paths with the Gotheborg by chance and especially to meet such a caring crew. Dear commander and crew of the Gotheborg, your kindness, and generosity have shown that your ship is much more than just a boat. It embodies the noblest values of the sea, and we are honored to have had the chance to cross your path and benefit from your help. We thank you again for everything you have done for us. Sincerely, David Moeneclaey (skipper of the sailboat Corto) Share * * * * Tickets for both Rotterdam and Hamburg are now released Tickets for both Rotterdam and Hamburg are now released 04 May 2023 We have now opened ticket sales for both the stopover in Rotterdam and in Hamburg. In Rotterdam we are open 11th-14th of May and in Hamburg 20th-21st of May. Prebook your tickets online to save your spot on board! Subject to availability tickets are also sold at the ship. Gotheborg has arrived in Gibraltar Gotheborg has arrived in Gibraltar 06 April 2023 The Gotheborg has now arrived in Gibraltar. Due to high winds the arrival was delayed by about an hour, but the ship is now moored in Mid Harbour Marina. We're here over Easter Weekend, 6-10 April, and will be open to visitors all days. Tickets sales for Gibraltar stopover now open Tickets sales for Gibraltar stopover now open 16 March 2023 Ticket sales for the Gibraltar stopover in April is now open. Gotheborg will be moored at Mid Harbour Marina 6-10 April. Book your tickets online now to save your space on board! Subject to availability tickets are also sold on site at the ship. 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