Australian Adventurers, Yachts-man & woman, and YouTuber’s Riley and Elayna, with their kids Lenny and Darwin abord La Vagabonde, the most popular Yachting channel on YouTube. They are currently vloging their Yachting trip as they traveling around Japan.
Early this morning, 2:40am local time, La Vagabonde III (LVB) took a collision from a local fishing boat hit LVB while the family slept. The 60 Trimaran Yacht heavily customised by Rapido has taken significant damage. Sailing is now on hold while they evaluate damage and start repairs.
Shaken After Night-time Collision
The family, deeply experienced with some 10 years of all-but-constant sailing, has been left grappling with a profoundly unsettling experience and an uncertain future. As their boat lay anchored for the night, they were struck, resulting in extensive damage that has placed their cherished journey on indefinite hold. Now, as they begin the arduous process of recovery and evaluation, they have provided an interim update to their Patreon supporter base.
The family took to their Social Funding platform, Patreon, to update their supporters, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received. “We recently experienced the most harrowing ordeal of our lives,” they wrote. “Whilst my family and I were sleeping, our boat was struck in an accident that has left us shaken and deeply impacted.” Their post acknowledged the emotional toll of the event and the need to regroup as they assess the future of their journey.
Nobody Was Halmed, The Family Was Asleep
Fortunately, no one on board sustained physical injuries. For the family, this has been a source of immense gratitude amid the turmoil. However, the damage to the boat itself has been significant, effectively grounding the family for the foreseeable future. As the vessel served as both home and vehicle for their voyage, the incident has thrown their plans into disarray. While details about the accident remain limited, they are navigating the legal and logistical complexities arising from the incident, which may influence how and when they can resume their journey.
Adding to their challenge is a recent article in Japan that has reported inaccurately on the incident, sparking confusion. In their social media post, the family addressed this misinformation, asking their followers for understanding as they clarify the facts surrounding the accident. They noted that further details would be shared as they worked through these complexities, emphasising their commitment to transparency and accuracy once the situation stabilises.
For now, the family is focused on regrouping and determining the best way forward. In an already unpredictable lifestyle, this unexpected setback has introduced a new level of uncertainty, but the family remains committed to their dream. They have received a groundswell of messages from the sailing community, family, friends, and followers who have all offered support and words of encouragement, reinforcing the strong sense of community that often defines life at sea.
As they continue to navigate the fallout of this life-altering event, the family’s resilience is evident. Their story underscores the unpredictable nature of sailing and the strength needed to face unforeseen challenges head-on. Although their journey is temporarily halted, their commitment to returning to the sea remains, buoyed by the love and support of those who have followed their adventures.
La Vagabonde Facebook Post
We recently experienced the most harrowing ordeal of our lives. Whilst my family and I were sleeping our boat was struck in an accident that has left us shaken and deeply impacted.
We are immensely grateful for the messages of support and understanding from everyone during this time. As we process and recover from this incident, we kindly ask for your patience as we take some much-needed time to regroup and assess the situation.
No one was physically harmed, for which we are deeply grateful. However, the damage to our vessel is extensive, and our sailing journey has been interrupted indefinitely. While we will provide further details in due course, we are aware of an article circulating in Japan that contains inaccuracies regarding the incident. We ask for your understanding as we address these discrepancies and manage the legal complexities involved.
Feedback On The Post
Feedback on the Patrion Post was immediate and single-voiced – a range of posts are below:
Maurizio, 37min
So sorry to hear, hope you can soon get up on that horse again, whatever it takes, you have been fighting so hard for it.
Michael, This is extremely disturbing bad news to hear!!! Iam deeply sorry on your behalf, and so sad that your family had to experience this situation!! Love and all the best to you, Elayna, Lenny and Darwin also to Elly and the rest of your crew ♥️
JOHN, 50min
Wow, that is terrible, must have shaken you all! I bet the boys were scared!
Clare, 51min
ONG! So sorry to hear this and glad you all are okay. You’ll sort all of this out. You always do! Thoughts and prayers are with you all! ❤️🙏❤️
Oh No! Just reading this now. This is heartbreaking, and we are glad and relieved you are all unhurt. Take time to work this out and recover. Wishing the best for you all.
Oh my goodness. All the best wishes for a good recovery.
So sorry to hear this!! Glad you are all safe!
Sooo very sorry for your accident! Thankful for your safety, however beyond concerned over the problems you are dealing with in Japan… I can imagine how this has affected all of you emotionally! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.❤️
Local Reporting In Japan – KSB-5 News
Local News Channel KSB-5 has reported on the collision, they have reported:
The fishing boat collided with an anchored yacht (SV LVB) near Okinoshima Island in Tonosho Town, Kagawa.
No one was injured.
According to the Shodoshima Coast Guard Station, at around 2:40 a.m. on the 4th, the captain of a fishing boat called 118 (in NZ this is 111) and reported that his boat had collided with a yacht that was anchored in waters about 150 meters southwest of the western end of Okinoshima in Tonosho Town.
There were two people on the fishing boat, including the captain (70), five adults, including the captain (39), and two children from Australia, Sweden, France, and the UK on the yacht, but none of them were injured.
The collision also did not cause any water damage or oil leaks from either ship.
The fishing boat had departed from Shikai Fishing Port in Tonosho Town for bottom trawl fishing and was heading toward the fishing grounds off the coast of Chifuri Island. The yacht was scheduled to drop anchor near Okinoshima at 7 p.m. on the 3rd and continue toward Hiroshima Prefecture.
Check out the Boating NZ Review
We did a review of the Rapido 50 (the small brother of the 60) in August – check it out.
