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Pirates Brutally End Yachting Dream

By Adam Nagourney and Jeffrey Gettleman

• Feb. 22, 2011

LOS ANGELES — Jean and Scott Adam shared a dream through 15 years of marriage: to retire, build a boat and sail the world. And that is precisely what they did, heading out in 2004 from Marina Del Rey, Calif., on a custom-built 58-foot yacht for a permanent vacation that brought them to exotic islands and remote coastlines: Fiji, Micronesia, China, Phuket.

“And now: Angkor Wat! And Burma!” Mrs. Adam wrote just before Christmas, her blog post bustling with characteristic excitement.

The dream came to a brutal end on Tuesday when the Adams and their crew — Phyllis Macay and Robert A. Riggle of Seattle — were killed by pirates off the coast of Somalia in one of the most violent episodes since the modern-day piracy epidemic began several years ago, American officials said.

It is not clear why the pirates killed their hostages, either accidentally during a firefight or possibly out of revenge for the Somali pirates killed by American sharpshooters in a hostage-taking in 2009.

United States naval forces had been shadowing the hijacked yacht, called the Quest, and as soon as they saw a burst of gunfire on board, American Special Operations forces rushed to the yacht in assault craft, shot one of the pirates and knifed another. But all four hostages were already dead or fatally wounded.

Few people who travel the high seas these days are unaware of the dangers from pirates, though it seemed a risk the Adams were willing to take in the spirit of adventure and excitement. “She said to us, ‘If anything happens to us on these travels, just know that we died living our dream,’ ” said Richard Savage, Mrs. Adam’s brother-in-law from her first marriage. “They were aware that this kind of thing has risks. But they were living their dream.”

Still, in a decision that troubled friends and family members, the Quest had departed from a convoy of yachts that was assembled to ward off attacks by pirates in those waters — such maritime convoys are known as rallies — to go off on their own into some of the most dangerous waters in the world.

Mr. Adam took a security course last year from Blue Water Rallies, the organizer of the rally he had been on, and friends said he often turned off his G.P.S. instrument because pirates had learned to use them as homing devices.

“They were not risk-seekers,” said Vivian Callahan, who had sailed with the Adams as a crew member over the years. “They were very well aware of the dangers and I can’t imagine them straying from the rally unless conditions were very serious."

The Adams had been married about 15 years. They had both been married once before. He had a daughter, she had two sons.

Before their retirement, Mrs. Adam was a dentist in Marina Del Rey, a graduate of dental school at the University of California, Los Angeles. He worked as a film production manager, on such films as “The Goonies” and “Deliverance,” before leaving the business to attend divinity school; he received a master’s of divinity in 2000 and a master’s of theology in 2010.

Indeed, for the Adams, this was as much a voyage of faith as it was one of adventure. They would load the Quest up with tons of Bibles and distribute them as they traveled the world.

“They would stop in these small islands and connect with the church there, which were in isolated places and really welcomed them,” said Richard Peace, a professor of ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary. “Scott would preach at times for them and being a doctoral student, he would teach in Bible colleges. This was really a major part of their travels.”

Still, friends said that the Adams were not on a mission of proselytization.

“They were very much in love and shared both a love of the sea and a love of God’s word,” Samantha Carlson, a fellow sailor, said in an e-mail to friends. She added: “They were NOT proselytizing or converting anyone.”

Ms. Macay and Mr. Riggle signed on to the Quest as crew members late last year, providing needed assistance and companionship on these voyages, which are often rigorous and lonely. Both Mr. Adam, 70, and Mrs. Adam, 66, were in relatively good shape, though Mrs. Adam battled with intense bouts of seasickness.

“She certainly didn’t let that stop her,” Mr. Savage said, adding with a laugh, “It’s kind of bizarre.”

Ms. Macay, 59, was a freelance interior designer and Mr. Riggle, 67, a retired veterinarian. They had been a couple in the past but were simply crewmates at the time of their deaths, friends said. They had met at the Seattle Singles Yacht Club and had been at sea together for most of the past three and a half years.

“Originally, it was supposed to be a year-and-a-half long, but she kept extending it,” said Joe Macay, her brother. “She wasn’t a thrill-seeker trying to live on the edge. She was just a person who loved sailing and was trying to live the life she loved.”

Don Jordan, the director of the Seattle Animal Shelter, said Mr. Riggle had served as a contract veterinarian there for the past 15 to 20 years. “He was a natural fit for a vet, kind and compassionate,” Mr. Jordan said.

The American Navy has pleaded with shipowners to stick to designated shipping lanes when passing through the Arabian Sea, where pirates continue to strike with impunity, despite the presence of dozens of warships. Yachters who knew the Adams said they had been, given these times, inclined to ship their boats overland to avoid dangerous waters or travel in rallies.

“I really have no idea why they would leave the rally when they specifically joined the rally to be in a safer environment,” said Jeff Allen, a close friend. “I hope this sends a message that you really shouldn’t be trying to go through that area.”

Friends of Ms. Macay and Mr. Riggle said that they were only serving as crew members. Cindy Kirkham, a friend of Ms. Macay and her family, said, “The family is very upset that people are suggesting that they made the decision.”

But Mr. Macay said that it was not uncommon for boats to leave rallies and return. He said his sister had “expressed concern about pirates — anybody sailing in that Blue Water Rally knows that a portion of risk goes along with it.”

He added, “She knew the risk involved, and accepted it.”

The killings underscore how lawless the seas have become in that part of the world. Just about every week another ship gets hijacked. More than 50 vessels, from fishing trawlers and traditional wooden dhows to giant freighters and oil tankers, are currently being held captive, with more than 800 hostages, according to Ecoterra International, a nonprofit maritime group that monitors pirate attacks.

“At the moment, it looks like it’s getting out of control,” said Capt. Pottengal Mukundan, director of the International Maritime Bureau, which has tracked piracy at sea since 1991.

The Somali seas are now known as the most perilous in the world, crawling with young gunmen in lightweight skiffs cruising around with machine guns, looking for quarry.

The Adams had been sailing the world on the Quest, a Davidson 58 Pilot House Sloop, that they had custom built for $1.5 million in New Zealand in 2001, using money they earned from selling their homes.

“When designing the yacht, we had to make sure that the yacht trimmed well when hundreds of Bibles were stored at the beginning of each adventure: It amounted to tons of weight,” said Kevin Dibley, the owner of Dibley Marine Ltd., who was brought on to assist the project.

On Friday, the Quest sent out an S O S, 275 miles from the coast of Oman, in the open seas between Mumbai and Djibouti. A mother ship had been observed near the yacht when it was hijacked by pirates in a smaller craft, maritime officials said, but it disappeared once warships drew close, or was captured.

Either way, the pirates were blocked from escaping and that may be one reason tensions rose on board, said Andrew Mwangura, the maritime editor of Somalia Report, a Web site that monitors piracy attacks.

“There were a big number of gunmen on a small yacht,” Mr. Mwangura said. “They could have been fighting over food, water, space. And with military choppers overhead, people get jumpy.”

According to Vice Adm. Mark Fox, the commander of United States Naval Forces Central Command, shortly after the Quest was hijacked, the Navy began talking to the pirates’ financier as well as elders from the pirates’ village. Many pirate crews are paid by wealthy Somali businessmen who later get a cut of the ransom.

On Monday, two of the pirates boarded a naval destroyer that had pulled within 600 yards of the Quest to negotiate further.

But the talks seemed to unravel on Tuesday morning, when a pirate aboard the Quest fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the destroyer. Almost immediately gunfire erupted from inside the yacht’s cabin, Admiral Fox said, and several pirates then stepped up to the bow with their hands up.

Fifteen Special Operations officers in two high-speed assault craft rushed in. When they boarded the Quest, they shot and killed one pirate and stabbed another.

Once aboard, the American forces found two pirates already dead, apparently killed by their comrades. The pirates were in disarray, the American military said, and a fight had broken out among them.

The deaths of the Adams was particularly striking to many of their friends, considering the kind of mission they were on.

“The irony of all this is that Scott and Jean, like so many of us out here cruising the world, are out here to meet the people, learn about their culture and help those we meet in whatever way we can,” said Mr. Allen.

A previous version of this article misspelled the name of the Navy warship that had been shadowing the Quest. The vessel is the Sterett, not the Starrett. It also misspelled the name of one of the Americans who was killed aboard the yacht. It is Phyllis Macay, not Phyllis Mackay.

How we handle corrections

Adam Nagourney reported from Los Angeles, and Jeffrey Gettleman from Nairobi, Kenya. Reporting was contributed by Eric Schmitt and Elisabeth Bumiller from Washington; William Yardley from Seattle; Jennifer Medina from Marina del Rey, Calif.; Ian Lovett, Noah Gilbert and Ana Facio Contreras from Los Angeles; and J. David Goodman from New York.

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Four Americans Killed on Yacht Hijacked by Somali Pirates

This undated photo shows Scott and Jean Adam, two of the Americans killed by pirates. (svquest.com)

Four Americans aboard a yacht hijacked by Somali pirates were gunned down by their captors Tuesday.

U.S. forces responded to gunfire aboard the yacht Quest at approximately 1 a.m. Tuesday, but discovered all four hostages had been shot by their captors. Despite attempts to save their lives, all four hostages died of their wounds.

“We express our deepest condolences for the innocent lives callously lost aboard the Quest,” said Gen. James N. Mattis, U.S. Central Command Commander in a news release.

Two pirates died during the confrontation and U.S. forces found the remains of two other pirates already dead aboard the vessel. Thirteen pirates were captured and detained, along with two already in custody. A total of 19 pirates were involved in the hijacking.

The remains of the four Americans were taken aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, as were the 15 pirates in custody. There is no word yet on where the pirates will be taken for trial. They could go to Kenya or they could come back to the U.S. There is a precedent for both.

The yacht Quest was hijacked on Friday off the coast of Oman and U.S. forces had been closely monitoring the vessel.

Unlike most pirate incidents, these pirates boarded the Quest directly from their mother ship, rather than using faster skiffs. The mother ship remains free.

Vice Admiral Mark Fox, Commander of Centcom's Naval Forces, explained the timeline of events during a press briefing with Pentagon reporters. According to Fox, there was "absolutely no warning" before the hostage situation turned deadly.

On Monday two pirates boarded the USS Sterett (one of four U.S. Naval ships monitoring the situation) to conduct negotiations for the release of the American hostages. They stayed on board overnight and it's unclear if any ransom was offered before the killing took place.

At 8:00 am local time Tuesday morning a rocket propelled grenade was fired at the Sterett from pirates on board the Quest. The shot missed, but immediately after gunfire erupted inside the cabin of the Quest.

"Several pirates appeared on deck and moved up to the bow with their hands in the air in surrender," Fox said. That's when SOF approached on small boats and boarded the yacht.

When U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) soldiers -- from a classified Navy SEALS unit --  reached the yacht, they found two pirates had already been killed by small arms fire. As they went below deck there was an exchange of fire that killed one pirate. The other pirate was killed by an SOF member who used a knife in close combat, Vice Adm. Fox said.

The SOF found some of the Americans still alive, but all four soon died of their wounds. Vice Adm. Fox called it the deadliest pirate incident to date.

"We did everything we could," said a senior military official. "But I don't think our guys would see this as a good outcome."

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called the killings "deplorable." She said in a statement that the killings underscored the need for international cooperation on fighting the scourge of piracy in waters off the Horn of Africa.

She urged international partners to provide material, financial and logistical support to an African peacekeeping mission in Somalia, the country the pirates use as the launching point of their attacks.

The organizers of an international yacht race called the Blue Water Rally said the Quest had been taking part in the race but left it Feb. 15 to chart an independent course from India to Oman.

The Quest is owned by Scott and Jean Adam, a couple from California. The two other Americans on board were Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle, of Seattle, Washington.

At the Seattle Singles Yacht Club, where Riggle and Macay were well known, Joe Grande said the two were "great sailors, good people. They were doing what they wanted to do, but that's small comfort in the face of this."

The Adams have been sailing the world with a yacht full of Bibles since 2004. The hijacking of their yacht came two days after a Somali pirate was sentenced to 33 years in prison by a New York court for the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama. That case ended when Navy sharpshooters killed two pirates holding the ship's captain.

Pirates have increased attacks off the coast of East Africa in recent years despite an international flotilla of warships dedicated to protecting vessels and stopping the pirate assaults. Multimillion-dollar ransoms are fueling the trade, and the prices for releasing a ship and hostages have risen sharply.

Pirates currently hold 30 ships and more than 660 hostages, not counting the attack against the Quest. Before this incident there were less than 10 pirate related deaths this year.

The best-known case of Westerners being held hostage in Somalia was that of Paul and Rachel Chandler, a British couple held for 388 days. The two, who were captured while sailing in their private yacht, were released in November.

The Adams -- who are members of the Marina del Rey Yacht Club in Marina del Rey, Calif. -- run a Bible ministry, according to their website, and have been distributing Bibles to schools and churches in remote villages in areas including the Fiji Islands, Alaska, New Zealand, Central America and French Polynesia.

This is a developing story. Please refresh for additional updates.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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SY Quest Yacht: Who Were the Victims? Who Were the Pirates?

The FBI had to respond to a sudden emergency on February 18, 2011, when they received reports of a Yacht named SY Quest, which was captured by Somali Pirates about 190 to 240 miles off Oman’s coast. Incidentally, the SY Quest was on a voyage from Mumbai, India, to the Suez Canal, and even though the people on board received ample warning about pirates, they decided to move ahead with their plans regardless. Paramount+’s ‘FBI True: Hostages at Sea’ chronicles the shocking incident and even follows the subsequent rescue operations. Well, let’s delve into the details and find out the identities of the victims and the pirates, shall we?

SY Quest Victims: Adventurous Couples’ Tragic End

Reports mentioned that the SY Quest was initially docked in Mumbai before beginning its journey toward the Suez Canal. Moreover, apart from receiving several cautions about possible pirate activity in the area, the yacht was also supposed to join a sailing party. Yet, the owners chose to ignore the warnings and even sailed out on their own. At the time of the kidnapping, the SY Quest was occupied by its owners, Jean and Scott Adam, as well as their friends, Phyllis Macay and Robert Riggle. While Jean and Scott originally resided in Marina Del Ray, California, and were known to be a generous and kindhearted couple, Phillis and Robert were natives of Seattle, Washington, and people who knew them spoke about their cheerful and down-to-earth personalities.

As soon as the SY Quest got separated from the sailing party and began drifting toward the coast of Oman, it was spotted by Somali pirates. Hence,  the pirates approached the yacht on a mothership and took all four US citizens captive on February 18, 2011. However, they were restrained and kept on board as the perpetrators turned the ship towards Puntland. Around this time, three US warships, namely the USS Leyte Gulf, USS Sterett, and USS Bulkeley, intercepted the sound of small-arms gunfire and decided to investigate the incident. During their search, they came across the SY Quest around February 21 and were alarmed to learn that four American Citizens were being held hostage onboard.

Therefore, after getting in touch with the FBI, the US Navy began negotiations with the pirates while keeping the safety of all four hostages in mind. Unfortunately, the negotiations weren’t successful, and reports mention that on February 22, a pirate aboard the SY Quest shot a rocket at one of the Warships. Shortly after, the Navy heard the sound of gunfire from the yacht, forcing them to take quick action. However, even though a team boarded the pirated vessel and took two pirates down, they soon noticed that all four hostages had been executed in cold blood. Meanwhile, the remaining fifteen pirates surrendered to the Navy as they had no escape plan.

Infamous Pirate Crew: Led by Ali and Shibin

Once the US Navy rounded up the Pirates, they singled out Mohamud Salad Ali as the leader, while Mohammad Saaili Shibin was identified as the ransom negotiator. On top of it, authorities also figured out that Ahmed Muse Salad, Abukar Osman Beyle, and Shani Nurani Shiekh Abrar were directly responsible for killing all four hostages. However, regardless of the seriousness of their crime, all fifteen pirates were taken into custody and transported to Norfolk, Virginia, where they faced multiple charges related to piracy and kidnapping. When produced in court, every single pirate insisted on their innocence and pled not guilty.

Since the evidence was overwhelming, the negotiator, Mohammad Saaili Shibin, was eventually convicted on 9 separate charges, including piracy. Consequently, he is serving multiple life sentences in North Carolina’s FMC Butner. On the other hand, the three murderers, Ahmed Muse Salad, Abukar Osman Beyle, and Shani Nurani Shiekh Abrar, were found guilty on numerous counts, with a notable few being piracy, violence against maritime navigation, conspiracy to commit violence against maritime navigation resulting in death, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, hostage taking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and conspiracy to commit hostage taking resulting in death, among others.

They were also convicted on several firearm charges and, in 2013, were sentenced to 51 life sentences, out of which two were supposed to be concurrent. Among the other pirates, Mohamud Salad Ali, Said Abdi Fooley, Muhidin Salad Omar, and Abdi Jama Aqid are serving lifelong sentences in US federal prisons, while Mahdi Jama Mohamed, Mounir Ali, Jilani Abdali, Ahmed Sala Ali Burale, Ali Abdi Mohamed, Mohamud Hirs Issa Ali, and Burhan Abdirahm Yusuf will be released between 2036 to 2042.

Read More: Daniel Patrick Sheehan: Where is the Extortionist Now?

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4 Americans on hijacked yacht dead off Somalia

February 22, 2011 / 5:29 PM EST / CBS/AP

Updated 3:51 p.m. ET

A pirate fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a U.S. Navy destroyer shadowing a hijacked yacht with four Americans aboard Tuesday. Then gunfire erupted, the military said. U.S. special forces rushed to the yacht only to find the four Americans fatally wounded.

The experienced yacht enthusiasts from California and Washington are the first Americans killed by Somali pirates since the start of attacks off East Africa several years ago. One of the American couples on board had been sailing around the world since 2004 handing out Bibles.

PICTURES: 4 Americans on hijacked yacht dead off Somalia

Their deaths appeared to underscore an increasingly brutal and aggressive shift by pirates in their treatment of hostages.

Killing hostages "has now become part of our rules," said a pirate who identified himself as Muse Abdi and referred to last week's sentencing of a pirate to 33 years in prison for the 2009 attack on the U.S. cargo vessel the Maersk Alabama.

"From now on, anyone who tries to rescue the hostages in our hands will only collect dead bodies," he said. "It will never ever happen that hostages are rescued and we are hauled to prison."

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton strongly condemned the killings, saying in a statement that the slayings were "deplorable" and underscored the need for international cooperation in fighting the scourge of piracy in waters off the Horn of Africa.

Pirates had hijacked the 58-foot yacht Quest south of Oman on Friday. Since then, four U.S. warships and sky-high drones shadowed the vessel's movement as pirates tried to sail it to the Somali shore. U.S. officials negotiated with the captors via radio.

On Monday, two pirates had peacefully come aboard the USS Sterett to negotiate with naval forces for the release of the hostages, and remained aboard overnight.

But at 8 a.m. East Africa time Tuesday, a rocket-propelled grenade was fired from the Quest at the USS Sterett, a guided-missile destroyer 600 yards away. The RPG missed and almost immediately afterward small arms fire was heard coming from the yacht, said Vice Adm. Mark Fox, commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain.

U.S. forces converged on the Quest in small boats and some pirates moved to bow and put up their hands in surrender.

A member of a U.S. special operations force killed one of the pirates with a knife, Fox said. A second pirate was also killed, and the bodies of two other pirates were discovered on board, bringing to 19 the total number of pirates involved. The U.S. military didn't say how those two died and it was not known if the pirates had fought among themselves.

There were no injuries to U.S. forces or damage to U.S. ships, Fox said.

The Quest was the home of Jean and Scott Adam, a couple from California who had been sailing around the world since December 2004 with a yacht full of Bibles. The two other Americans on board were Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle, of Seattle, Wash.

Adam, in his mid-60s, had been an associate producer in Hollywood when he turned in a spiritual direction and enrolled in the seminary a decade ago, said Robert K. Johnston, a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena and a friend of Adam's.

"He decided he could take his pension, and he wanted to serve God and humankind," he said.

Johnston and Adam worked together to start a film and theology institute. Adam also taught a class on church and media at the school.

Since 2004, the Adams lived on their yacht in Marina Del Rey for about half the year and the rest of the year they sailed around the world, often distributing Bibles in remote parts of the Fiji Islands, Alaska, New Zealand, Central America and French Polynesia, Johnston said.

Scott and Jane Adam documented their maritime missionary work on their website, S/V Quest Adventure Log.

"Great sailors, good people. They were doing what they wanted to do, but that's small comfort in the face of this," said Joe Grande of the Seattle Singles Yacht Club, where Riggle and Macay were members.

Pirates have increased attacks off the coast of East Africa in recent years despite an international flotilla of warships dedicated to protecting vessels and stopping the pirate assaults.

But the conventional wisdom in the shipping industry had been that Somali pirates are businessmen looking for a multimillion-dollar ransom payday, not insurgents looking to terrorize people.

"We have heard threats against the lives of Americans before but it strikes me as being very, very unusual why they would kill hostages outright," said Graeme Gibbon-Brooks, the head of Dryad Maritime Intelligence, adding that the pirates must realize that killing Americans would invite a military response.

President Barack Obama, who was notified about the deaths at 4:42 a.m. Washington time, had authorized the military on Saturday to use force in case of an imminent threat to the hostages, said White House spokesman Jay Carney.

Around Christmas the Quest joined the Blue Water Rally, an around-the-world race. But race organizers said the Quest recently left the race despite what Fox said were warnings about the dangers of sailing in Horn of Africa region.

The Blue Water Rally said in a statement Tuesday that though yachtsmen are discouraged from sailing in the region, the only other choices are to sail around the stormy and dangerous tip of South Africa or sail back across the Pacific.

The Adams were skilled and experienced sailors, having traveled from Panama in 2005 to Fiji in 2007 and Cambodia last year. They most recently sailed from Thailand to Sri Lanka and India, and were on their way to Oman when captured.

Johnston said that despite an adventurous spirit, the Adams were meticulous planners who knew the dangers they faced. The couple had sailed with a large flotilla to stay safe from pirates near Thailand earlier in the trip.

Motivated by million-dollar ransoms, pirates have become increasingly bold in their attacks despite a flotilla of international warships patrolling the waters off East Africa. The last time pirates kidnapped a U.S. citizen — during the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama — Navy sharpshooters killed two pirates and rescued the ship's captain.

But Tuesday's bloody events are apt to leave U.S. military planners in a quandary: Do they go after the pirates harder? Do they attack their bases on Somalia's ungoverned shores? One maritime expert said it's too early to tell.

"This is a first," said Gibbon-Brooks, the analyst. "We don't know if the situation is related to a straight execution. We don't know if it was related to an attempt to break free. We don't know if it was related to an accident."

Gibbon-Brooks said the killings were "extremely unwise" by the Somalis, and that the deaths threaten what has been a successful and lucrative business model.

Two days before the hijacking, a New York court sentenced a pirate to 33 years in prison for the 2009 attack on the Maersk Alabama, a U.S. cargo vessel. A pirate in Somalia told the AP last week that pirates were more likely to attack Americans because of the sentencing.

"It's a black day for us and also the Americans, but they lost bigger than us," a pirate who said his name was Bile Hussein said. "If they still want a solution and safety for their citizens in the oceans, let them release our men they arrested."

Only minutes before the military announced that the four Americans had died, a Somali pirate told AP by phone that if the yacht were attacked, "the hostages will be the first to go."

"Some pirates have even suggested rigging the yacht with land mines and explosives so as the whole yacht explodes with the first gunshot," said the pirate, who gave his name as Abdullahi Mohamed, who claimed to be a friend of the pirates holding the four Americans.

Pirates — who currently hold 30 ships and more than 660 hostages — typically win a multimillion ransom for releasing their captives, a huge sum that is shared among investors and pirates. The money is often spent on alcohol, drugs and prostitutes. One ransom paid last year was reported as $9.5 million. Most ransoms are worth several million dollars.

Given that typical financial motivation, Tuesday's killings left several unanswered questions, such as whether the pirates, being trailed by the Americans, believed there was no way to avoid spending years in a U.S. prison, or if the American forces spooked the pirates by approaching the yacht, or even if the hostages had tried to retake the yacht from the pirates.

The military said U.S. forces have been monitoring the Quest for about three days, since shortly after the Friday attack. Four Navy warships were involved, including the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise.

Mohamed, the pirate in Somalia, told AP that pirate leaders had been expecting the yacht to make landfall soon.

Five cars full of pirates were headed toward the pirate dens of Eyl and Gara'ad in anticipation of the Quest reaching land Monday, he said. Had the four reached land, they may have faced a long hostage ordeal like the 388 days that the British sailing couple Paul and Rachel Chandler spent in the hands of pirates. The two were released in November.

"This incident is a clear message and alarm that it's time the world community quickly steps up to stop these pirate criminal activities. They should be treated mercilessly," said Gen. Yusuf Ahmed Khayr, the security minister in the northern Somalia region of Puntland, a pirate haven.

The Adams ran a Bible ministry and had been distributing Bibles to schools and churches in remote villages in areas including the Fiji Islands, Alaska, New Zealand, Central America and French Polynesia.

At the Seattle Singles Yacht Club, friend Hank Curci said Riggle and Macay were carrying out a lifelong dream.

"Now that they're gone it's just difficult for us to accept because it's like having a family member killed," he said.

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This is one of our favorite boats. Perfect for weekend sailing with the family, the Quest is a stable and comfortable boat that makes learning to sail easy and fun. Optional accessories like a spinnaker and trapeze make this a versatile and durable platform for years of enjoyment.

The RS Quest is our most popular Teaching/Training and Family boat - by far. A completely modern design that is both comfortable, simple, strong, and stable - the Quest was an instant classic. By offering a large, self draining cockpit that can fit four adults - the Quest is an easy to trailer, easy to rig, and fun to sail family boat. For programs and yacht clubs - the Quest offers generous space that makes new sailors comfortable. Its confidence inspiring sailing performance allows people to learn the basics of sailing - while also getting experience with asymmetrical spinnakers (an easy add on for this boat). The Quest is just so versatile, durable, and reliable for programs, it’s no wonder hundreds have been sold on the West Coast replacing aged and extremely dated old fiberglass fleets. The Quest can take a small motor, features a furling jib, a high boom, and comfortable seating. Without exaggeration, it’s the best 14’ training / family boat we sell.

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You can also reach us at [email protected] or by calling 503-285-5536 ext2

Comfortable Feel

• Industry leading PE3 rotomolded polyethylene construction
• Built for maximum durability and minimum maintenance
• Exceptionally stable hull at the dock or underway
• Large, self draining, cockpit for up to 4 adults

Configurable Layout

• Add a foredeck
• Main and furling jib standard
• Asymmetric or symmetrical spinnaker options
• Trapeze option
• Outboard motor bracket available

Convenience & Ease of Use

• Pivoting mast heel for easy rigging
• Hand holds for lifting
• Towing eyes

Simple Controls

• Mainsail slab reefing
• 2-part aluminum mast
• Foam filled top mast with optional mast head float
• Simple external halyards and boom controls
• Durable Dacron sails

Well Built Blades

• Pivoting fiberglass centerboard
• Durable aluminum rudder blade
• Tiller driven ‘lift and lock’ rudder system

Add On Options

• Foredeck with Additional Storage
• Asymmetric Spinnaker
• Trapeze Kit
• Launching Dolly
• EZ Loader Road Trailer

Specifications

• Designer - Jo Richards & RS Sailing
• Length - 14 feet 1 inch
• Beam - 6 feet
• Hull weight (unfitted) – 309 pounds (140Kg)
• Sailing weight - 396 pounds (180kg)
• Sail Area - Mainsail and Jib = 118 square feet
• Sail Area - Asymmetric Spinnaker = 118 square feet
• Sail Area - Symmetric Spinnaker = 107 square feet
• Hull Construction - Comptec PE3 durable polyethylene
• Spars - Aluminum Two-part mast, Aluminum boom, Aluminum Spinnaker Pole
• Main Material - Dacron
• Jib Material - Dacron
• Spinnaker Material - Dynalite Ripstop
• Foils - GRP centerboard and aluminum Lift & Lock rudder
• Deck Fittings - Allen / Selden
• RS Quest Parts
• RS Quest Parts Locator
• RS Quest Rigging Guide

Why West Coast Sailing

We represent a dozen sailboat brands from all around the world. Our dinghy sailboat inventory is second to none, with at least 100 boats in stock in our warehouse at any time. Our staff has extensive experience sailing, racing, rigging, coaching and delivering boats worldwide. This is what we do:

• Selection – 70+ models of boats from manufacturers around the world.
• Service – Our staff is focused on helping you Own The Water.
• Experience – The team here has decades of experience on all types of dinghies.
• Inventory – Over $1million of boats and parts inventory in stock at all times.
• Logistics – We have experience shipping boats all over the world, at reasonable rates, quickly.
• Rigging – We rig most boats by hand, and stand behind our work.
• Long Term Support – We are a leader in our industry, and we didn't get here by cutting corners. We have your back.
• Apparel and Accessories – We have the apparel, accessories, trailers and dollies to go with each boat.

Product Reviews

Shipping & returns.

Delivery Info: Enjoy Free Standard Shipping on most orders* to the Continental United States over $99. Our Standard Shipping method utilizes USPS, UPS, and FedEx to send packages near and far. Oversize/Freight shipping (where applicable), Expedited Shipping (where available), and rates to other destinations will be calculated at checkout.

See our Shipping Page for more information (and exceptions).

Returns Info: Your 100% satisfaction is our goal - we want you to love your sailing gear, but if something doesn't work out, we accept returns on most new, unused items*. Returns can be made within 366 days (1 year + 1 day) of your original order date. Exceptions include (and are not limited to) cut line, Rig Shop products, special order items, numbered sailors, and items used or worn sailing.

See our Returns Page for more information.

Related Products

RS Quest A-Sym Spinnaker Kit

RS Quest Deck Cover Mast Up

RS Quest Foredeck Insert

RS Quest Jib

RS Quest Mainsail

RS Quest Outboard Motor Mount

RS Quest Solid Mast Float

RS Quest Dolly

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Why is the RS Quest the right sailboat for you?

The RS Quest is a modern sailboat that is packed full of innovative features, whether you’re a family looking for your next adventure or a program looking for a great training platform – you need to consider the RS Quest.

The durable rotomoulded polyethylene construction and reassuring stability makes the RS Quest the perfect platform for inspiring new sailors and maximizing the time you can spend afloat. Though 2-3 is the ideal crew size, an abundance of space inside the boat allows for comfortable sailing with up to 5 sailors. The control layout even allows for simple singlehanded sailing.

Previous boat designs have stood out for their unique features, but with the RS Quest the RS development team have designed the most versatile and rounded boat to hit the sailing market in decades.

Here's some of the innovative features:

Kick up rudder/Centerboard

Whether you’re sailing in shallow water or make contact with an underwater obstacle, the rudder and centerboard will simply kick up and allow you to keep sailing with no damage. Most other designs would be stopped in their tracks or suffer damage in these instances. These features also help with easy launch and recovery, from sandy beaches to tricky launches, stay in control of your adventure until the very end.

Center mainsheet – modern – great for a learning environment

With most modern sailboats rocking the center main system it’s easy to see why, with more ergonomic positioning, forward facing sailing and more precision when steering , what isn’t there to love? However, in true RS fashion there is always consideration of performance and a simple rope bridle center lines the main sheet to ensure optimal sail trim.

Wide ergonomic cockpit and hull

The RS Quest has class leading space, she is big enough to comfortably fit an instructor with 4 sailors or the entire family. With the substitution of a GNAV instead of a conventional boom vang there’s even more space upfront. Don’t let all this space put you off, the RS Quest is still small enough to handle easily ashore and afloat. The hull design lends to incredible stability on the water to allow sailors to trust the boat and inspire confidence. On land, the hull sits stable and flat allowing for easy storage or land drills. Yet the hull design has taken notes from big offshore performance racers offering stability while maintaining performance.

Versatility

The RS Quest has been packed full of features which has created a very diverse sailboat that can work across a spectrum of sailors and programs. The list of additional options is plentiful, allowing you to tailor the RS Quest to design a package that fit your needs and expand the boat’s versatility. Options include trapeze, mast float, asymmetrical or symmetrical spinnaker, outboard engine, removable foredeck with storage, and more. Whether you want to haul the entire family along with the kids hanging off the trapeze, or need to design an ideal adult learn to sail boat, it’s all possible.

Sailing with your family can be one of the most enjoyable or absolutely horrible experiences. The difference between the two can mean a lifetime of sailing or a family that wants to run for the nearest motorboat. Dealing with broken bits or a difficult boat to rig is challenging while being on the water having fun is invaluable. Offering an easy approach to sailing and user-friendly nature of the RS Quest will ensure a good time had by all in order to keep the whole family excited about going sailing every time.

Sailing Programs

While the RS Quest is great for all sorts of sailors, it has specifically been identified as the optimal sailing program boat for youth and adult sailors. The versatility, value, and durability are optimal for almost any sailing program. As boats age and replacement parts are no longer available, many programs have recognized the fit for the RS Quest. 

Mission Bay Aquatic Center , who replaced their Hobie Holders with 10 RS Quests in 2019, have created a great RS Quest tutorial .

More than 3,000 RS Quests have been sold to all types of sailors since it’s launch in 2015. 

Sailors throughout the world are recognizing the RS Quest as the boat to take their families, friends, and sailing programs into the future. From your first time afloat, to experienced day sailing – the RS Quest enables sailors to practice seamanship within their own ability level.

There is a very good chance are there are RS quests at a program or sailing by families near you. We love to hear from all sorts of sailors, to learn more about the RS Quest, where you can sail one, or just to say hello, please email us at  [email protected] .

• #RS SAiling

Advice & articles

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Sailboat Manufacturer and Regional Sailing Association Collaborate to Improve Sailing Activitie

• Read more articles

Stay Informed

Somali Pirates Seize a Yacht, the Quest, with Four Americans on Board

Officials confirm that the yacht has been taken by pirates in the Indian Ocean.

Feb. 19, 2011 — -- U.S. officials confirm that a yacht with four Americans aboard has been seized by Somali pirates in the waters of the Indian Ocean.

The advocacy group Ecoterra International says its monitoring of regional maritime activity off the coast of East Africa indicates four Americans aboard the yacht S/V Quest were seized by pirates 240 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.

It is believed that Somali pirates currently have 29 ships in their possession and are holding 660 crewmembers hostage.

"All relevant U.S. agencies are monitoring the situation, working to develop further information, assess options and possible responses," said Matt Goshko, a spokesman at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, according to The Associated Press.

Lt. Commander Susie Thomson, a spokesperson for the Combined Maritime Forces that patrol the waters of the Middle East, confirmed the Quest incident, but could provide no details.

"We've seen the reports and all the appropriate government agencies are closely monitoring the situation," said U.S. Central Command spokesman Lt. Col. Michael T Lawhorn.

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A U.S. official said, "We are still looking at what the options are."

The 58-foot S/V Quest is owned by Jean and Scott Adam, who have been sailing the boat around the world for the past seven years. As they approached the notoriously hostile waters off the Horn of Africa, the Adams cut back using their radios and satellite systems so their location couldn't be tracked by pirates, but they were still found.

The Adams are members of the Del Rey Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey, California. Contacted by ABC News, a marina manager there said he knew of the situation, but was unwilling to comment or give further details at this time.

The couple details their travels on a website, an entry from last December listed their stops in 2011 as "Galle, Sri Lanka; Cochin, India; Salalah, Oman; Djibouti, Djibouti; The Suez Canal; and Crete. That gets us to April."

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Sailboat specifications

• Last update: 20th March 2020

RS Quest's main features

Rs quest's main dimensions, rs quest's rig and sails, rs quest's performances, rs quest's auxiliary engine, rs quest's accommodations and layout.

Similar sailboats that may interest you:

Sail and Dive Expeditions Bahamas and Caribbean

Welcome to Quest Sail and Dive Adventures 

Combining a passion for the ocean, both below and above the surface, Quest offers sailing and diving adventures in the Caribbean. 

Quest is a 64 foot sailing yacht specifically designed for sail and dive adventures. We have been operating in the Caribbean since 2012, and provide trips between Cartagena, Colombia, and Puerto Lindo, Panama, through the island paradise of San Blas. We explore the underwater world, combined with a Coco Loco on the beach.

Starting in December 2024, Quest will spend two to three months in the Eastern Caribbean focusing on swimming with whales. In the Eastern Caribbean there are two hundred resident sperm whales, and during Janu ary and March you can also find migrating humpback whales.

San Blas Sailing     Cartagena - Panama

Swim with Whales     Eastern Caribbean

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In the world of luxury yachting, where opulence knows no bounds and innovation reigns supreme, one shipyard stands out for its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible: Royal Huisman. With a motto that boldly declares “we have the confidence and capability to build any yacht for you,” this Dutch shipyard has earned a reputation as a leader in the industry, consistently delivering record-breaking vessels to discerning owners around the globe.

The latest testament to Royal Huisman’s ingenuity and expertise is Project 411, internally known as Noir – a majestic sailing yacht poised to shatter records and redefine luxury on the open seas. At an impressive 93 meters (305 feet) in length, Noir will boast a sloop rig that towers above the competition, securing its place as the tallest sailing yacht in its class. Surpassing the current record holder by a significant margin of 4 meters (14 feet), Noir is set to make waves in the yachting world like never before.

True to its name, Noir will exude an air of sophistication and elegance, with an all-black hull and superstructure complemented by matching black windows. Designed in collaboration with the owner, whose vision was inspired by “the pleasure of sailing with loved ones and closest friends,” Noir represents the ultimate expression of personal freedom and luxury at sea. With meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled craftsmanship, Royal Huisman is bringing this vision to life, ensuring that every aspect of Noir reflects the owner’s discerning taste and uncompromising standards.

But Noir isn’t just about style – it’s also a powerhouse of performance and innovation. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, Noir will deliver impressive speed, agility, and handling, making it a true force to be reckoned with on the water. Designed for seamless entertaining, the yacht will feature expansive outdoor living spaces on the flying bridge, providing the perfect backdrop for unforgettable gatherings and celebrations.

Behind the scenes, Noir will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art amenities, including electric drives for auxiliary power and a sophisticated sailing system courtesy of Rondal. The interior, meticulously crafted by renowned design firm GCA Architects, will blend luxurious finishes with natural materials to create a relaxed yet sumptuous atmosphere that’s sure to impress even the most discerning guests.

As construction of Noir progresses, Royal Huisman remains tight-lipped about the owner’s identity and the yacht’s delivery timeline, opting to let the vessel speak for itself. However, one thing is certain: when Noir finally takes to the seas, it will be a sight to behold – a symbol of excellence, innovation, and the boundless possibilities of luxury yachting.

In a world where records are made to be broken, Royal Huisman continues to set the standard for excellence, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and redefining the art of luxury yachting one masterpiece at a time. With Noir, the world’s tallest sailing yacht, the journey to new heights has only just begun.

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7-Night Charter Rates

Catamaran Quest Overview

Quest is a 57′ Simonis classic catamaran. She’s a smooth sailing yacht, a spacious live aboard, and an adventure waiting to happen. She’s both the journey & the destination.

Quest features four double en-suite guest cabins. A/C is available throughout for guest’s comfort. After many years of offering charters for up to 8 passengers, Quest is now a 6 guest yacht. This creates a more comfortable, attentive and specialized experience for all aboard. It also allows the crew to occupy a full stateroom while leaving extra crew quarters for add-ons like a private masseuse or dive instructor.

The yacht has both indoor and outdoor dining seating, large nets in the forward bow for lounging about and enjoying the sea spray. The stern provides a fully equipped dive deck / swim platform, also great space for yoga or sunbathing.

Green Initiative

Purified drinking water made on board. Reusable water bottles available for use on board. Yacht uses eco-friendly cleaning products and purchases local and organic produce when available.

Meet the Crew

Elena and Brian love sailing. Their love of the sea brought them together. While coming, originally, from mountain states, they feel very much at home in the ocean. Chartering with this dynamic duo engages mind, body and soul. With Elena’s healthy cooking and Brian’s lust for adventure, guests go home from the islands with spirits recharged and bodies fully engaged.

After chartering on catamarans in the Virgin Islands for many years, Brian and Elena know all the spots and build out itineraries which suit the desires of their guests. Guests can go to all the famous spots or unwind in a secluded cove. They have spent a lot of time exploring other areas of the Caribbean so are equally at home introducing guests to the wonders of the Windward and Leeward Islands.

Brian started his ocean journeys in United States Pacific Northwest traveling on expedition ships into Alaska and eventually down the coast to Central America and the Panama Canal. As an expedition seafarer, he found himself in many far-flung places, such the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica. While not traveling as a photographer or a naturalist, he sailed around the Caribbean on his little sailboat, learning all the best places to freedive, kiteboard and explore rainforest. ..read more

From the chocolate empire of Switzerland, Elena comes from a culinary background rooted in deeply French flavors. Her focus is boat-made”, creating all your favorites from inside her tiny galley. By baking and cooking everything from scratch, she knows exactly what is in the food she serves to her guests, making it very healthy and nutritious. Being gluten free and vegan, she specializes in catering to any dietary restrictions. Often, guests leave their week onboard elated by how healthy they feel.

Taking full advantage of the good, clean energy Elena produces in the galley, Brian enjoys activities to the fullest. Everywhere a charter goes, Brian has an adventure which engages guests with the surrounding environment. Whether it is snorkeling, surfing, kiteboarding, hiking or scrambling, Brian can test your boundaries of fun. Coming from a background of leading guests into the wild” as a naturalist, expect to have plenty of natural history conversations with him. As a diving instructor, Elena knows all of the fish and can introduce you to many of them.

Discussions about the fish and the birds and the trees don’t stop at the end of the adventures, Elena and Brian’s favorite subject to talk about is nature. The only way to change the subject is to start a rousing card or board game or even turn on the tunes and start dancing. Mainly, this couple loves life and wants to share it with others who do too. They know all the spots but have a great time wherever the wind takes them.

Availability calendar for Quest:

Listed below are any confirmed reservations or unavailability, as well as current holds / options. Note: this calendar is not always 100% current. Please contact us for more information about available dates aboard this yacht.

Hours required between charters: 48

7-night Charter Rates by Group Size

Contact us for rates and current availability or to book a charter aboard Quest!

Full Specifications for Quest

Specifications

Accommodation, water sports, entertainment,    sample menu, reviews for quest with previous crew:.

This trip has been absolutely amazing. Chris and Nikki are phenomenal! Everything was done to perfection. Can't say enough good things about our experience.

Chris and Nikki were amazing! We truly enjoyed our time spent with them. Their (Chris, Nikki & Lulu) presence and attention to detail made the trip perfect.

Quest was comfortable and well maintained. We really enjoyed the trampolines and the U-shaped couch in the aft. Many naps were enjoyed on both.

Nikki's food creations were beyond our expectations. We were never hungry. Her love for cooking was evident in her dish presentations and the deliciousness of the food.

The itinerary was perfect! We had ample time in each location. Chris was always willing to take us to shore to explore the local culture.

This was the best vacation we have ever had.

Jason C, aboard Catamaran Quest July 2017  sailing the Virgin Islands

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•  Specs
•  Reviews
•  Contact

Interested in Quest? Get in touch to learn more or book your vacation!

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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• Kontinental Hockey League

Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

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Gagarin cup (khl) finals:  atlant moscow oblast vs. salavat yulaev ufa.

Much like the Elitserien Finals, we have a bit of an offense vs. defense match-up in this league Final.  While Ufa let their star top line of Alexander Radulov, Patrick Thoresen and Igor Grigorenko loose on the KHL's Western Conference, Mytischi played a more conservative style, relying on veterans such as former NHLers Jan Bulis, Oleg Petrov, and Jaroslav Obsut.  Just reaching the Finals is a testament to Atlant's disciplined style of play, as they had to knock off much more high profile teams from Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg to do so.  But while they did finish 8th in the league in points, they haven't seen the likes of Ufa, who finished 2nd. 

This series will be a challenge for the underdog, because unlike some of the other KHL teams, Ufa's top players are generally younger and in their prime.  Only Proshkin amongst regular blueliners is over 30, with the work being shared by Kirill Koltsov (28), Andrei Kuteikin (26), Miroslav Blatak (28), Maxim Kondratiev (28) and Dmitri Kalinin (30).  Oleg Tverdovsky hasn't played a lot in the playoffs to date.  Up front, while led by a fairly young top line (24-27), Ufa does have a lot of veterans in support roles:  Vyacheslav Kozlov , Viktor Kozlov , Vladimir Antipov, Sergei Zinovyev and Petr Schastlivy are all over 30.  In fact, the names of all their forwards are familiar to international and NHL fans:  Robert Nilsson , Alexander Svitov, Oleg Saprykin and Jakub Klepis round out the group, all former NHL players.

For Atlant, their veteran roster, with only one of their top six D under the age of 30 (and no top forwards under 30, either), this might be their one shot at a championship.  The team has never won either a Russian Superleague title or the Gagarin Cup, and for players like former NHLer Oleg Petrov, this is probably the last shot at the KHL's top prize.  The team got three extra days rest by winning their Conference Final in six games, and they probably needed to use it.  Atlant does have younger regulars on their roster, but they generally only play a few shifts per game, if that. 

The low event style of game for Atlant probably suits them well, but I don't know how they can manage to keep up against Ufa's speed, skill, and depth.  There is no advantage to be seen in goal, with Erik Ersberg and Konstantin Barulin posting almost identical numbers, and even in terms of recent playoff experience Ufa has them beat.  Luckily for Atlant, Ufa isn't that far away from the Moscow region, so travel shouldn't play a major role. 

I'm predicting that Ufa, winners of the last Superleague title back in 2008, will become the second team to win the Gagarin Cup, and will prevail in five games.  They have a seriously well built team that would honestly compete in the NHL.  They represent the potential of the league, while Atlant represents closer to the reality, as a team full of players who played themselves out of the NHL. 

• Atlant @ Ufa, Friday Apr 8 (3:00 PM CET/10:00 PM EST)
• Atlant @ Ufa, Sunday Apr 10 (1:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Tuesday Apr 12 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Thursday Apr 14 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)

Games 5-7 are as yet unscheduled, but every second day is the KHL standard, so expect Game 5 to be on Saturday, like an early start. 

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Every Ship in Skull and Bones and How to Find It

• Author: Robbie Landis

Skull and Bones Ships, How to Unlock All Class of Ships, Where To Build New Boats

• In Skull and Bones, there are 10 different types of ships that players can unlock throughout the world.
• Each ship type falls into one of three categories; extra small, small, and medium.
• Players will need to find blueprints of the different ship types if they want to build them in Skull and Bones.

Ubisoft’s Skull and Crossbones pirate-simulator has finally been released after 6 years in development and players are scrambling to find and unlock all of its secrets. One of the most important aspects is a reliable ship to customize, sail, and plunder with. Players will find that there are three types of classifications of ships in Skull and Bone, with a total of 10 that players can build themselves. Here’s a full breakdown of where to find blueprints, how to get blueprints, and what an aspiring pirate will need to build their dream ship.

Skull and Bones Ship Types

There are 10 types of ships that players can find in Skull and Bones . One of those falls under the extra small classification, five of them are of the small type and the last four are considered medium. Each comes with a special perk to further allow players some customization in their style of ship.

Skull and Bones Ships

Where to find and how to obtain all of the ship blueprints in Skull and Bones.

Skull and Bones/Ubisoft

The Dhow is the only extra small ship in  Skull and Bones  and comes with the Hunter perk which preserves wildlife materials while hunting. Players can obtain the Dhow by surviving the Shipwreck in the Atolls.

Rammer, The Bedar

Skull and Bones/Bedar

The Bedar is a small ship in  Skull and Bones  and has the Lasncer perk. Lancer increases the damage from ramming by 25%, reduces the slowing effects of torn sails by 50%, and applies the flooded effect to an enemy ship upon ramming.

Players can obtain the blueprints for the Bedar one of two ways. The first is visiting the Shipwright in Sainte Anne in the Red Isles Region and buying it for 660 Silver. It can also be earned for free in Sainte Anne by completing the quest A Seaworthy Ship.

Defender, The Hulk

Despite its name, the Hulk is a small ship and comes with the Ironclad Perk. Ironclad reduces brace strength depletion by 20% when hit and increases brace strength by 250% and brace strength recovery by 25%.

Players can purchase the blueprints for the Hulk by reaching Rover rank in Infamy in Skull and Bones. Once a player has the appropriate rank the Hulk blueprint can be bought for 1,980 silver from the vendor in the Sacred Tree Outpot in the Red Isles Region.

Sentinel, The Cutter

This small ship is one of the first ones most players will have a chance to captain. The Cutter comes with the Unburden Perk which restores severe damage by 1% and hull health by 0.5% per second. It also restores the hull health of all friendly ships in a 100m radius of a repaired target by 1% and restores 60% more of hull health on a friendly ship while using a repair weapon.

Blueprints for the Cutter can be purchased from Lanitra in Angaya Coast found in the Red Isles for 1,980 Silver if the player has achieved the rank of Rover in their Infamy. It can also be earned for free by completing the quest Dressed to Kill from the blacksmith in Sainte Anne.

Firebrand, the Barge

The Barge is another ship in the small size classification and comes with the Wildfire Perk. Wildfire allows you to apply the Ablaze effect to all enemy ships within a radius of 125m if you apply it to one ship. It also increases your weapon damage by 10% and burning damage increases Ablaze charge speed by 50%.

To build the Barge players will need an Infamy rank in Skull and Bones of Buccaneer and 4,950 silver. It can be purchased from the vendor in Kaa Mangrove Outpost in the Coast of Africa Region.

Blaster, The Sloop

The final ship in the small category of Skull and Bones, it comes with the Outburst Perk. Outburst has the following properties; explosive hits have a 50% chance of triggering an explosion, which deals 1500 damage within a blast radius of 150m. It will also increase damage to structures by 20% and explosive damage by 15%.

To build the Sloop players will need to obtain the blueprints and to do so they will need an Infamy rank of Buccaneer. The blueprint can then be purchased from the vendor in the Sunken Goldmine for 4,950 silver. Or it can be earned by completing the quest The Devil's Gambit for John Scurlock.

Bombardier, the Padewakang

Skull and Bones/Ubisoft.

The first of the four medium-sized ships, the Padewakang has the Detonate Perk. Detonate increases damage to structures by 20% and weapon range by 15%. Its explosive hits have a 70% chance of triggering an explosion, which deals 1,000 damage within a 125m blast radius. That chance raises to 100% if the target ship is ablaze or on fire.

Players who are ranked as Brigand in Infamy can purchase the blueprints for this ship for 5,280 silver from the shipwright on Telok Penjarah.

Vanguard, The Snow

Skull and Bones\Ubisoft

Known as the Vanguard, the Snow-type ship is another medium-sized vessel with the Tenacity Perk. Tenacity allows the ship to recover brace strength by 4% per second while bracing and increases brace strength by 50% and brace strength recovery by 150%.

The requirements for purchasing the Snow blueprints is an Infamy rank of Corsair and 10,560 silver at the vendor in Khmoy Estate.

Hullbreaker, the Brigantine

The Brigantine is a medium-sized ship in Skull and Bones that has the Bullhorn Perk. Bullhorn increases damage from ramming by 45%, reduces the duration of the torn sails effect by 80%, and applies flooded to an enemy ship upon ramming.

Players who earn the Infamy of a Cutthroat unlock the ability to buy the blueprints but will need to pay 15,840 silver to the Corrupt DMC Officer located in the Ruined Lighthouse in the East Indies.

Pyromaniac, the Sambuk

The final player-obtained ship is the Sambuk, a medium-sized vessel in Skull and Bones. This ship comes with the Scorched Perk which deals 5,000 burning damage when it applies the Albaze effect to an enemy ship. Ablaze will be applied to enemies in a radius of 150m and it also increases the damage to ships that are already ablaze by 30%.

The Sambuk blueprints require an Infamy rank of Cutthroat before players can buy the blueprint. It costs around 12,000 silver and be purchased from Yanita Nara, the Manager of Le Pont Muet.

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Go on a 10-year sailing voyage with this thought-provoking memoir, share this article.

Liz Clark logged 20,000 miles in 10 years sailing along the Central American coastline and around the Pacific Islands in the 40-foot sailboat Swell. In her book “Swell: A Sailing Surfer’s Voyage of Awakening,” she pours her heart out about her inner struggles as a lone female set on freedom and outer challenges like navigating the oceans and keeping her craft shipshape. The hardcover edition came out in 2018, but the new paperback (released this month) will expand the story’s audience.

Clark grew up in San Diego , the child of sailing parents. When she was nine, the family took a seven-month sailing trip along the coast of Mexico. She started surfing while earning her environmental studies degree at UC Santa Barbara. In 2001, after graduating, she met Barry Schuyler, who had founded the environmental studies program in 1969. Schuyler wanted to help her live her sailing dreams, so he offered her the use of Swell in exchange for vicariously accompanying her on her voyage.

Captain and author Liz Clark. / Photo by Jianca Lazarus, courtesy of Patagonia

“Swell” is the story of a young woman who prizes self-discovery and freedom above all else. She faces the ambivalence and inner contradictions that most people do, especially the young and those with a lot of time to think. While she is critical of the capitalist priorities of the U.S., she’s also extremely American. What other country so strongly emphasizes the right to the pursuit of happiness?

Clark stays determined to see the best in people despite plenty of brushes with creepy guys and a terrifying, drawn-out situation of being stuck on an island with a broken boat and an abusive boyfriend.  She is very earnest about her spiritual epiphanies and tries to put them into practice when dealing with other people. She loves ocean creatures and faithfully reports underwater encounters with those she meets while swimming and surfing. She sees up close the horrific human-generated plastic waste floating in the ocean and washed up on islands. And it scares her.

Photo by Tahui Tufaimea, courtesy of Patagonia

Above all, “Swell” is about the quest for freedom. This lovely sample passage is typical of her life at sea when things are going well, and especially resonates for young women raised on the male gaze. “Out here, there is no one to compare myself with—there’s not even a full-length mirror to critique my appearance. I let my hair go wild. I laugh out loud, and break into dance without a second thought. I can fester in my filth or spend half an hour massaging shampoo into my scalp. I wear an odd ensemble from the clothing bin—or nothing at all. Some granny panties that Mom gave me have become my go-to sailing uniform. I can scream, cry, and sing all in one breath with no one to judge me. I want everyone to feel this deep liberation.”

The book resembles her unstructured life at sea. But I would have liked a more practical backbone. I constantly found myself disoriented, asking, where is she? How much time has gone by? Who is this person who’s suddenly popped up on the boat and is sailing with her for some unspecified time?

I also wanted more information about her finances. Clark downplays anything to do with money, apparently as part of an anti-capitalist stance. She grumbles about having to do any work without meaning to her, even as she’s visiting places where people are poor and doing whatever they can to subsist. While sailing , she built up a blog popular enough to inspire strangers to send her money. Corporations sponsored her. At one point, she met up with filmmakers documenting her voyage. She’s asked to speak around the world, write articles for magazines, and eventually write this book. All these career accomplishments are mentioned offhandedly, almost as though they’re intrusions into her life at sea.

Patagonia, one of her sponsors, published the book. Photos show Clark sailing, surfing, doing yoga on beaches, and paddling a board with her darling ocean-going cat Amelia on the front. She also includes portraits of people she meets on the island and a fun photo of her and a friend singing backup for Jimmy Buffett when he did a surprise concert at an obscure Bora Bora Bar.

Photo by Jianca Lazarus, courtesy of Patagonia

This thought-provoking book will make readers question their own lives. Are we free enough? Are we too materialistic? How can we be more spiritual and tread more lightly on the earth? Have we chosen the right path?

Near the end of the book, Clark sums it all up. “I am not the best sailor or the best surfer , or the most credentialed at anything, but chasing my dream has taught me that fulfillment and self-love don’t come from being ‘the best.’ They come from pursuing our passions and connecting to our own spirits, communities, and the world.”

Writer received a free copy of the book for review.

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