'Lectronic Index

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Cruiser Mark Saunders Dies Following Motoryacht Grounding in Mexico

April 24 - Bahia Magdalena, BCS

The cruiser who was killed April 18 following the grounding of the Nordhavn 62 trawler Charlotte B. at the entrance to Mag Bay has been identified as Mark Saunders, 62, who lived aboard the sailboat Blue Suede Sue in Marina Palmira, La Paz, with his wife Sue. The two were crewing aboard the vessel along with Brian Saunders (no relation), Tim Hartwell, and Jonah Marzan on the northbound passage from La Paz to the States.

It still hasn't been revealed why the Charlotte B. ended up on the rocks, as she is a capable and well-equipped vessel. It's believed that the Brian Saunders running or helping run the vessel is the same Brian Saunders who was originally from Sausalito, but for as long as we've known him - 30 years - has been cruising his sailboats and powerboats all over the Pacific.

According to The Baja Insider, the initial reports that Mark Saunders was killed at the time of the impact are wrong. The Insider says they've been told that Saunders suffered a head injury while trying to secure a lifeline to shore so the rest of the crew could exit the vessel. There will be an autopsy.

The Saunders had been living aboard in La Paz since at least Hurricane Marty back in 2003. Mark will be missed by his many friends.

According to the Mexican Navy, the Charlotte B. can be refloated.

Photos Courtesy Mexican Navy

No More 500 Miles a Day Average for Geronimo

April 24 - Pacific Ocean

With now just over 1,000 miles to the Yokohama finish line of an attempt on a San Francisco to Yokohama record, Olivier de Kersauson and crew aboard the 112-ft maxi tri have dropped way down in speed. On Day 10 they only made 316 miles, and on Day 11 a not-much-better 342 miles. Headwinds followed by calms have been the problem. Nonetheless, only a catastrophe would prevent them from smashing the current record set by singlehander Steve Fossett's aboard his 60-ft tri Lakota.

How About 597 Miles in 24 Hours in a 60-Footer?

April 24 - Canary Islands

That's what Frenchman Yves Parlier and crew aboard Mediatis Region Aquitaine are claiming after a run from Arcachon to the Canary Islands. Not all are going to agree with the record claim, as several other 60-ft trimarans reported runs in excess of 600 miles during the Quebec to St. Malo Race in 2000. Yvan Bourgnon, for example, claimed 625 miles. Nonetheless, Parlier has to be pleased that his tri, with the unusual 'flying boat hulls' and a mast on each hull, seemed to have recovered from her original disappointing performances.

Photo Courtesy Mediatis Region Aquitaine