On March 26, during the 7,600 nm 7th leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, the sailing world lost a great sailor, competitor, and friend in John Fisher. Chasing his dream to participate in this opportunity to sail around the world with incredibly skilled sailors like himself, on board highly technical boats, he was certainly in his element. His presence will be greatly missed by the sailing community.
On board with Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag, "Fish" embraced every challenge. Equipped with experience, patience, and strength, both physical and mental, he was an integral part of a team and a race so iconic, he knew anything could happen.
Positioned about 1,400 miles west of Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America, at 13:42 UTC, in 35 knots of wind while 9° C waves pounded the crew with each 20- to 30-foot drop, a series of factors came into alignment. A huge wave appeared, causing an accidental crash jibe that swept Fish into the furious sea. At 13:42, race control received the emergency call from Skipper David Witt informing them of the man overboard situation on Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag.
The rest of the fleet was 200 miles downwind. Sending them back 200 miles upwind while fighting gale to storm force winds was out of the question. Coordinating with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, the nearest ship was located and diverted to the scene, however, it was 400 miles and a day away. Still, Fish was wearing survival equipment, and the Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag crew were strong in support of a search, despite worsening weather.
The team performed an exhaustive search as conditions continued to deteriorate, hoping upon hope to spot and rescue their teammate, without success. Finally, due to the freezing water, the extreme sea state, and the time that had ticked by since the accident, Fish was presumed lost at sea.
Proclaimed one of the most treacherous Southern Ocean passages in history, it is a tribute to this respected sailor who was a true team player, putting everyone else first, that he would meet his match only under the most brutal of conditions.
The Volvo Ocean Race website has posted condolences from organization President Richard Brisius. The team page on the website has darkened all team member photos save for that of John Fisher, highlighting his participation in this massive effort. There is a photo gallery honoring Fisher's life as a sailor, and many of his friends have donned "Fish forever" armbands, showing their support for Fisher's family, acknowledging the heartbreaking loss.
Born in the UK 47 years ago, Fisher was most recently based out of Adelaide, Australia. Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag was devastated by the loss, but managed to regroup, propelled by Fisher's spirit and the undeniable thought that he would want them to continue, as well as support and encouragement from other teams.
As the boats head for Newport, RI, and the remaining legs, John Fisher will remain a driving force that strengthens the will of every sailor in the race. In his own words, then, "Let's get on with it."
