A recent report on the sinking of two boats in the 2024 Newport-Bermuda race found that at least one sinking could have been prevented. The investigation, led by experts with support from US Sailing and the Cruising Club of America, concluded that Gunga Din might have been saved if earlier modifications had been better documented, inspected, and understood by everyone involved.
While no one is solely to blame, the sinking resulted from a combination of factors. As James Phyfe, who led the review, explained, responsibility for a boat’s structural health is shared among owners, builders, designers, and surveyors—especially after changes or incidents.
The race started with 162 boats, but tough conditions soon developed, with strong winds causing 14 boats to retire, and both Gunga Din and Alliance sinking. Alliance’s sinking was traced to a major failure in the upper rudder bearing, possibly worsened by external forces, though it’s unclear if it hit anything underwater.
The report recommends that owners and inspectors pay close attention to rudder support systems to prevent future failures. Starting in 2026, the Newport Bermuda Race will add keel and rudder inspections to its safety requirements, similar to standards set by US and World Sailing.
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