The racing sloop L'Apache, a 73-footer, was running in second place in one of the world's longest yacht racesfrom Los Angeles harbor to Honolulu. At dawn one day last week, L'Apache's boom tackle broke. It had to be repaired under way, with 8-ft. seas running. Precious time was wasting. Crewman Ted Sierks, 40, an ex-Marine and photographer, was braced against the rail, trying to get the fractious boom under control. The rail broke and Sierks slid into the sea.
A life ring with knife and flashlight attached was thrown to him, but before the crippled L'Apache could come about and work back...
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