From early Sunday morning the wind could be heard blowing, so there was no need to get up early. But it eased off and the forecast was for it to improve. So mid-morning we let go and made our way slowly out. It was going to be a bit lumpy outside so we made sure everything was stowed before we cleared the harbour.
Once we had cleared the entrance, we put the head into the wind and hoisted the mainsail putting in a couple of reefs. A course was set for Beachy Head and we were off. The wind was around force 5 and from the SW so we were making good progress.
Once we had cleared the entrance, we put the head into the wind and hoisted the mainsail putting in a couple of reefs. A course was set for Beachy Head and we were off. The wind was around force 5 and from the SW so we were making good progress.
When we were abeam of Newhaven I decided to move the genoa car to try and get a better angle on the sail. I clipped on my safety harness and shifted the car a couple of feet. I scrambled back into the cockpit but found I was still clipped on. I sat by the mainsheet while I sorted myself out. At this point we did an uncontrolled gibe. This spun me round, unfortunately my right foot was firmly planted on the deck. Pete asked if I was OK. I looked at my leg and said" No, I have broken my leg" one look at it told me it couldn't be at the angle it was without it being broken. I couldn't stay sat where I was and knowing that thinking about it wasn't going to make it any easier. I quickly moved across to the other seat. I can honestly say it was the most painful thing I have ever experienced. Although the bottom half of my leg was now at least lined up with the top half. There was no point in beating our way back to Brighton so we carried on round Beachy Head.
The time was getting on so we decided to make for Sovereign Harbour at Eastbourne. I rang them up to let them know we were on our way and for an ambulance to be waiting for us. The harbour master decided to call the coastguard who then rang me. It was decided to send out the rnli rib to help get us in. They were soon along side and two crew and a medic jumped on board. They got the sails down while while the medic gave me some morphine and nitrous oxide before stabilising my leg. When they cut off my boot I could feel myself fainting as the blood rushed back into my leg. Weird.
Things are a bit bleary after that, although I do remember getting off the boat and being in the ambulance. At the hospital I had an x-ray and more nitrous and morphine while they put on a temporary cast.
I realised afterwards that the world cup final was on while all this was going on. Then it was off to a ward and some sleep.
I realised afterwards that the world cup final was on while all this was going on. Then it was off to a ward and some sleep.