How a ‘Sécurité’ warning and a 33 hour continuous sail saved this 87-year-old solo sailor

At 97 years old, solo sailor Owen Moorhouse continues to navigate the waters aboard his 38-foot sloop, Sandpiper. Recently, he faced a harrowing experience while sailing from Crowdy Head to Broughton Island, where a timely radio warning saved him from a severe storm. Moorhouse’s journey highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in maritime navigation.

Navigating the Waters: A Journey South

Owen Moorhouse, an experienced sailor, embarked on a journey from Crowdy Head, an artificial harbor on the north coast of New South Wales, to Broughton Island. The harbor, built in the 1960s, serves as a refuge for fishing vessels and is home to a Volunteer Marine Rescue boat. Despite its purpose, Moorhouse found the harbor uncomfortable for cruising yachts, making it a brief stop on his way south.

His plan was to reach Broughton Island, located about 55 miles south, with the option to continue to Port Stephens if conditions allowed. However, the journey was not without its challenges. The passage from Crowdy Head to Sugarloaf Point was enjoyable, aided by a favorable offshore breeze. As night fell, Moorhouse spotted the Sugarloaf Point lighthouse, a beacon that signaled he was nearing his destination. Yet, the waters were fraught with navigational hazards, including unlit rocks that posed a threat to unsuspecting sailors.

As the evening progressed, the wind shifted, and Moorhouse relied on his engine to maintain his course. Memories of previous encounters with whales in the area reminded him of the unpredictable nature of the sea. Despite the challenges, he remained focused on reaching safety before the anticipated storm.

A Timely Warning: ‘Sécurité’ on Channel 16

Around 2:00 AM EST, Moorhouse’s VHF radio crackled to life with an urgent message: “Sécurité, sécurité, sécurité! All ships! All ships!” The Port of Newcastle was advising vessels in Stockton Bight to head seaward due to impending foul weather. This warning proved crucial for Moorhouse, who realized he needed to act quickly to avoid the storm.

The Newcastle harbor, known for its coal loading operations, can become congested, leaving anchored ships vulnerable to severe weather. Moorhouse recalled past incidents where vessels had run aground during storms, emphasizing the importance of heeding such warnings. The urgency of the situation prompted him to reconsider his options: should he continue to Broughton Island or seek shelter in Sugarloaf Bay?

After weighing the risks, Moorhouse decided to turn back to Sugarloaf Bay, where he could access radio communication and onshore services. This decision ultimately allowed him to navigate the storm safely, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and quick thinking in maritime situations.

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Seeking Shelter: A Race Against Time

As dawn broke, Moorhouse approached Sugarloaf Bay, where he aimed to anchor under Statis Rock. However, the sandy bottom posed challenges for anchoring, and fatigue from nearly 24 hours of sailing weighed heavily on him. With the storm approaching, he knew he had to make a decision quickly.

Realizing that returning to Broughton Island was not an option, he set his sights on Cape Hawke Harbour, located 17 miles to the north. The journey was arduous, but Moorhouse was determined to find safety. With the wind at his back, he navigated toward Charlotte Head, where he could rest and prepare for the final leg of his journey.

Upon reaching Charlotte Head, Moorhouse found temporary refuge, allowing him to recharge before making the final push to Cape Hawke. His experience highlights the critical nature of preparation and the need for sailors to remain vigilant, especially when faced with unexpected challenges at sea.

A Lesson in Preparedness

Moorhouse’s adventure serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and prepared while sailing. His ability to hear the urgent radio warning on Channel 16 was a pivotal moment that allowed him to avoid disaster. As he reflected on his experience, he emphasized the need for sailors to maintain a continuous watch on VHF radios, have contingency plans, and be aware of their physical limits.

In the end, Moorhouse’s journey was not just about reaching a destination but also about the lessons learned along the way. His story underscores the significance of timely decision-making and the value of experience in navigating the unpredictable waters of the sea.