LETTER FROM FRANK SAVAGE OWNER OF S/Y LOLITA

I want to publicly thank Antigua Rigging for enabling LOLITA to resume the regatta after the unfortunate collision between LOLITA and SOJANA on Tuesday April 28. Stan Pearson, President of Antigua Rigging,was at the dock when we returned. He determined that it was unsafe to sail with the bent V1,Dash 60 and worked with our helmsman, Phil Garland of Hall Spars to examine the rig. Luckily, Antigua Rigging had the necessary parts in stock and assisted by our crew worked feverishly to disassemble and replace the rigging. The fact that LOLITA could race again after sustaining an impact that could have dismasted her is also a testament to the durablility and sea worthiness of SWAN and the strength of the Hall rig.

The accident not only damaged the vessel but also posed severe danger to LOLITA’s crew. The crew hit the deck when it was clear that a collision was imminent and fortunately, no crew member was injured. However, there were many near misses.

LOLITA, on the other hand, sustained damage to the port V1 shroud which was severely bent(See attached photo),the chainplate, the mast, the spinnaker pole (see attached photo), the bow chain plate and the port stanchions. When SOJANA’s mizzen boom raked the LOLITA rigging it exploded spraying carbon fiber all over LOLITA.

We want to thank everyone involved in helping the LOLITA program to stay in the Regatta.

Frank Savage
Owner
S/Y LOLITA

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