The first stage of Dame Ellen’s unique challenge to establish a series of records intra Asia and between the Chinese major ports of Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai and Hong Kong started on 9th February in the lower reaches of the River Test.  The 23m x 16m trimaran B&Q was carefully lifted by SCT staff under Dame Ellen’s watchful eye on to the forward hatches of the 6,662 TEU containership CMA CGM Bizet. The world’s press and media closely monitored each and every activity with cameras from the shore and the river.

B&Q, and in particular its association with Dame Ellen MacArthur, is no doubt the most interesting and prestigious lift handled by SCT. The lift required meticulous planning between SCT’s operations management team assisted by the yacht handling experience of Simon Dyer Cargo Superintendent, in conjunction with Team Ellen’s technical shore team to ensure a flawless lift on board the ship.

Prior to the CMA CGM Bizet’s arrival the trimaran came along side 205 berth where her 30m mast was lifted ashore and stowed on a special mast trailer ready to be lifted on board after the trimaran was safely stowed.

In preparation for the main lift a tier of 9’6” containers was loaded across the forward decks of hatch’s 10 and 14 followed by a platform of containers to provide a stable bed and sufficient height for the hull and outriggers to clear the lashing platforms between the hatches. Three cradles were then positioned to support the hull and outriggers.

Once moored alongside the container vessel one of SCT’s largest cranes with a 50m out reach, more than sufficient to span to the centre line of the trimaran’s hull, was moved into position with a spreader bar and special nylon lifting strops, hooked onto the three lower shroud attachments of the trimaran and carefully lifted B & Q on board the container ship.

Patrick Walters, SCT’s Managing Director said, “We are delighted to assist Team Ellen and CMA CGM in their preparation for the first stages of the Asian Record Circuit, which reinforces the direct links between Southampton and the major Chinese Ports including Southampton’s twin port Qingdao. Our team has prepared well for this high profile lift and all credit goes to them and Team Ellen. We wish Dame Ellen and her team bon voyage and bonne chance and we will be following their challenges with great interest.”