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Dear Marc,

Captain Bob Wellen of the Red Sky here (Swan 100), in answer to your situation of a newly purchased sailboat enroute to Bermuda with a broken mast and not enough fuel to reach Bermuda. I have a contact that I'm 90% sure can help or can give you another for sure contact to get fuel out to your boat about to flounder. His name is Mark Soares of Bermuda Yacht Services. His contact information is (441) 297-2798 and his cell is (441) 334-7245 and email mark@bermudayachtservices.com.

I wish you the best,

Captain Bob Wellen

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Hi Marc,

Although I'm sure you and your delivery crew have thought of this already, is to check the fuel consumption that should have been provided with the literature on the engine. From this you can work out the most economical RPM that gives you the best range. Then back further off the throttle anytime the winds swings against you because your economy goes to hell in those situations.

More importantly, if the vessel is in danger, you need to notify the Coast Guard, not a Mayday, but a Pan-Pan to alert them to your situation. If they are heading to Bermuda, then they are close to shipping lanes and it is quite likely that a ship can be diverted to their location to deliver fuel. The USCG should be very helpful, especially if the boat is US flagged - - it's their job to make sure US citizens remain safe. I was actually boarded 3 years ago on delivery and their principal concern was that we had enough fuel and water and I can tell you I was very impressed with the service they are providing to mariners.

Marc, when Randy forwarded your question he included your cell phone. I will call you this evening as there are some specifics we should discuss to help devise a better plan of action.

Best regards,

Captain Ian Fagg