Story of the Week #39
Gerry Roufs
Friday January 05th 2023
Gerry Roufs was a Canadian sailor who disappeared at sea on January 6, 1997 during the Vendée Globe, a solo sailing race around the world. He was in second place in the race at the time of his death.
Roufs was born in Montreal in 1953. He began sailing at the age of 12 and quickly gained a reputation as a talented navigator. He has won numerous races, including the English Transat in 1996.
In 1996, Roufs decided to take part in the Vendée Globe. He built a new boat, Groupe LG 2, especially for the race.
The race began on November 29, 1996. Roufs quickly took second place, behind Christophe Auguin. However, the race was marked by extreme weather conditions. On January 5, 1997, Thierry Dubois and Tony Bullimore capsized and had to be rescued.
On January 6, 1997, Roufs transmitted his last radio message. It described terrible weather conditions, with 15-metre waves and winds of over 80 knots. The Groupe LG 2 Argos beacon stopped transmitting on January 7, 1997.
Roufs was never found. Roufs' disappearance was a tragedy for the sailing community. He was a talented sailor and a beloved man. His disappearance also highlighted the dangers of single-handed sailing races.
English 
French