Marine Accident Report | Mollie | #3

In this video I take a detailed, respectful look at the loss of Lyle Babington and his vessel Molly in August of this year.
Using the Marine Accident Investigation Branch reports and recommendations, we go step by step through the chain of events that led from a small defect to a catastrophic outcome.

This is not finger-pointing.
This is seamanship.

As I reviewed the MAIB findings and spent time on Lyle’s own YouTube channel, what emerged was a man with enormous drive, imagination, and a genuine love of being afloat. He pushed himself. He built things. He chased horizons. His passing leaves a hole for his family, friends, and for the community who followed his adventures.

My hope with this video is simple:
that we can draw something meaningful from Mollie’s story — a legacy of practical vigilance, humility, and learning — that every one of us can carry forward at sea.

If this helps even one sailor avoid a similar fate, then we honour him.


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Opportunities to Train & Sail with The Mariner

If you’d like to deepen your seamanship, train hard, and experience high-performance offshore sailing, there are upcoming opportunities to join me on board:

• RORC Caribbean 600 — February
• Antigua Race Week — April/May
• Newport–Bermuda Race — June

Each event includes three days of intensive safety and seamanship training before the start. Value proposition: 10 days inclusive/ $3000USD

For details, availability, and sponsorship opportunities, contact me directly at:
https://www.csmthemariner.com
or reach out via my social channels.

Limited places.