A British Army Crew Rescues a Barn Owl During Yachting Race

During one of the toughest yachting competitions, a British Army sailing crew found themselves in an unexpected situation. While racing in the 50th Anniversary RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race, they rescued a weary barn owl that deemed it necessary to join them on their journey—70 nautical miles from shore. This heartwarming incident led to a collaborative effort among the military sailors and various wildlife organizations as the team continued their race toward Cowes.

The Arrival of “Little Regina”

The unusual guest made quite an entrance aboard the vessel Fujitsu British Soldier. Skipper Will Naylor informed race officials about their new companion, stating, “We have an extra crew member for the latter parts of the race: an exhausted barn owl that we are nursing back to health.” He humorously noted the potential awkwardness of finishing the race with an additional passenger, joking, “Someone is going to have to walk the plank.”

A Challenging Rescue

However, “Little Reg,” as the owl was initially named, didn’t have the easiest time boarding. After several unsuccessful attempts to perch on a crew member’s head, the owl fell from the mast into the sea three times. Finally, it landed on the deck, where sailors quickly wrapped it in a towel for safety. Sergeant Mark Petherbridge of the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, shared, “We thought we’d lost her, but she kept fighting her way back up and to the boat.”

Collaboration for Wildlife Care

Once the crew discovered that “Little Reg” was actually female, they rebranded her as “Little Regina.” The rescue mission involved several organizations, including the Barn Owl Trust, Marine and Wildlife Rescue, and Caister Independent Lifeboat. These groups coordinated efforts to transfer the owl to a wildlife center, all while the Army Sailing Association crew continued their remarkable 1,805-nautical-mile circumnavigation.

Conclusion

This touching story showcases not only the unique bond between humans and animals but also highlights the collaborative spirit necessary to save a life in unexpected circumstances. The British Army crew’s commitment to both the race and their newfound feathered friend exemplifies camaraderie and compassion.

A British Army crew rescued a barn owl during a major yachting race.
The owl, affectionately named “Little Regina,” attempted to join the team 70 nautical miles from shore.
The rescue involved coordination with multiple wildlife organizations.
The incident showcases a remarkable blend of determination and compassion amidst competition.