December 12, 2001

By Susan McKenzie

The six-mile paddle from the Prospect Reef Resort on Tortola (CP 25) to Privateer Bay on Norman Island (CP 26) was a tough paddle for most teams, many of whom made the journey under cover of darkness. Three foot swells and 15 miles per hour winds buffeted the teams. A local boat captain called it "a bustin trip."

Team NYC of New York, which is racing in honor of all the victims of September 11th, left the Prospect Reef at 6:18 Wednesday evening with a new addition to the team. Colin Kwak of Team NECC replaced Dennis Goett, who dropped out of the race earlier in the day. Kwak, a trader, joined fellow trader Thomas Symkowski, former Marine Michael Ackerson, and Charis Rey, a fitness trainer and singer, while Goett continued the race as part of the team's yacht crew. Kwak, who could not contain his excitement before the race, was disappointed when his own team dropped out, and had jumped at the chance to at least finish the race, even if unranked.

Around midnight the team had still not shown up at CP26, though teams that left after them had arrived hours earlier. Race management then began a search and rescue effort. Two Expedition BVI search and rescue boats were launched shortly after three a.m, and Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISR) was also contacted. A PAD-PAD radio alert (similar to a police APB) was issued, notifying every boat in the area to be on the lookout for the two yellow kayaks, which were illuminated by glow sticks and headlamps. At first light, VISR in conjunction with the Coast Guard launched a larger search, and EBVI hired a private helicopter, which took off at seven o'clock this morning. Every boat involved with EBVI was put into search for the search and rescue effort.

Shortly before eight this morning, the team was found, safe and sound. Westerly winds blew the team way off course, and they landed on St. John Island. They are now on their way to Norman Island, where the race is expected to be re-started within a few hours.