Racing boat of the missing skipper Mike Plant
Mike Plant was an American sailor and experienced boat builder when he built his boat for the 1st Vendée Globe in 1989. With this Open 60, sponsored by the famous Duracell batteries, he became the first American to participate in the race and broke the national record for single-handed circumnavigation. Unfortunately, he was disqualified after receiving help to prevent his boat from being driven ashore while he was at anchor to repair damage.
He then sold the boat to build himself a new sailboat, named Coyote, for the 2nd edition of the solo round-the-world sailing race. Unfortunately, he disappeared at sea during the delivery to Les Sables d'Olonne, the boat being found empty after the loss of its bulb.
Victory over the Pan Pacific
Bought by a new sailor, John Oman, the boat was renamed Northwest Spirit. She continued her career in ocean racing and won the Pan Pacific Los Angeles Osaka race in 1994, finishing in Japan. The owner then embarked on a single-handed round-the-world voyage out of the race, but collided with a cargo ship. The collision caused the boat to be dismasted, but John Oman managed to bring it back to the southern United States before taking it by road to Seattle.
Placed on the median of John's house, it stays there for 20 years before being given to Matt for free in order to renovate it. To be continued!
The video is in English. For those who are less fluent in the language of Shakespeare, do not hesitate to activate the automatic subtitles in English which can be a useful aid.
