Tragedy strikes Zululand yachties
Well-loved in Zululand, Glynis and Colin Craig aboard their yacht 'Déjà Vu' with their dog 'Muffy'
Tanya Waterworth
THE Zululand yachting fraternity was shocked to learn of the tragic death of well-known Richards Bay sailor, Colin Craig off the coast of Australia this week.
Colin (62) and his wife Glynis (58) were sailing off Queensland, when their yacht 'Déjà Vu' hit gale force winds.
According to Glynis, the accident took place as the couple were about to gybe the boat in big seas and strong winds.
'He was standing in the cockpit when the boom came across, but the strop, holding the mainsheet block to the end of the boom gave way.
'The boom didn't stop where it should have and broke the awning, which must have first hit Colin in the mouth and then the boom must have hit his head as he was ducking.
'He fell into the cockpit, where I tried to revive him,' said Glynis in an email from Australia on Tuesday night.
Mayday
Australian emergency services said they received a mayday call from Glynis saying that her husband had been struck by the boom and killed.
Two rescue helicopters went to the scene some 150 km out to sea, with rescuers being lowered into the water as they were unable to land on the stricken yacht due to the high seas.
While Australian media reported that Glynis needed help as she was an 'inexperienced sailor', the family's close friends in Richards Bay, Johan and Faye Moolman, speaking on behalf of the Craig family, said that Glynis was in fact, a very competent sailor.
Passion
'They fell in love when they were teens and have been together ever since.
'They have raced and sailed together for many years.
'Colin was a dedicated sailor and had a big influence in the design of the 'Déjà Vu'.
'His passion was sailing and racing and he had completed the Cape to Rio race.
'When the accident occurred, in heavy seas Glynis managed to turn the massive 50ft yacht around, and started heading for Brisbane.
'She was extremely courageous in her efforts.
'Glynis wanted to highlight that although the family feels shattered, Colin died while doing what he loved most and we all know he was also with the person he loved the most,' said Faye Moolman.
Respected by all
With messages of sympathy pouring in for the family from around the world, Zululand Yacht Club Commodore, Kirsten Schreuder paid tribute to Craig, who was also Commodore of the club in 1988.
'Colin was very well-loved and respected by everyone who knew him.
'It was very sad to hear of his sudden death and the trauma suffered by his wife, Glynis.
'Our sympathies go out to her and his sons, Brent and Brandon and their families,' said Schreuder.
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