Henri Lloyd - Authenticity with a capital "A"!

Rescue at sea!

Never let it be said that James doesn't live and breath what he shoots.  He's the ultimate outdoorsman and photographer and whilst often found in the water filming, or up a mountain, this time he almost bit off more than he could chew.

The Mull of Kintyre is one of Britain's most demanding headlands and not for the faint-hearted, especially in a small classic sailboat, the Rampage.  After a delayed departure they enjoyed a glorious sunset, but soon it was darkening, the sea whipping up, the rain horizontal.  This however would become the calm before the storm. They anchored, the sky cleared, whales and dolphins played and their fish stew fogged the cabin windows. 

The next few days shooting film, wild anchorages, catching mackerel under the stars, it felt like time was standing still. The Mull however was yet to loom and as they approached, the crew knew that it must be treated with respect.  With fierce tidal races and unpredictable currents, they headed for slack water when without warning, with a sharp, violent crack, the mast snapped away.  Adrift and main radio disabled they sent a Mayday on handheld VHF whilst cutting away tangled cables, steel and rope, on a pitching deck.

Mercifully, Campbeltown RNLI responded immediately.  

The Rampage's engine came back to life briefly and then failed for a final time.  No sail, no steerage, drifting helplessly in rising tides and then miraculously the lifeboat arrived through breaking seas.  It is thought that clearing the rigging had saved the boat and much later, they arrived at shore, towed to safety in the darkness by the RNLI heroes.

Saved by the RNLI and grateful to have been wearing the world's best sea apparel, James returned to his home.

All in a week's work for James, producing Authenticity once again for these wonderful clients.