[Avante]

En la página 44 se establece un resumen esquemático del análisis:

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Due to the circumstances of this accident, and the consequent absence of survivors
and material evidence, its causes remain a matter of some speculation. However it
is concluded that Cheeki Rafiki capsized and inverted following a detachment of its
keel. In the absence of any apparent damage to Cheeki Rafiki’s hull or rudder other
than that likely to have been directly associated with keel detachment, it is concluded
unlikely that the vessel had struck a submerged object. Instead, a combined effect
of previous groundings and subsequent repairs to its keel and matrix had possibly
weakened the vessel’s structure where the keel was attached to the hull. It is also
possible that one or more keel bolts had deteriorated. A consequent loss of strength
may have allowed movement of the keel, which would have been exacerbated by
increased transverse loading through sailing in worsening sea conditions.
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Resumiéndolo en pocas palabras, el First volcó tras perder su orza, y la ausencia de daños en casco y timón hacen poco probable que ésta se produjera por colisión. Al parecer, el barco había sufrido algunas varadas anteriormente, a las que siguieron reparaciones en la orza; esto produjo una pérdida de solidez que, combinada con las altas cargas soportadas por las condiciones duras de mar, terminó con su desprendimiento.

No es para brindar, desde luego.

Saludos,

Avante