A Testament to Regulator Quality
3 YEARS, 2 CONTINENTS,
1 AMAZING TALE OF SURVIVAL
A Testament to Regulator Quality: In August 2008, while fishing off the coast of Nantucket in their Regulator 26, Scott Douglas and Rich St. Pierre survived a near-tragedy when a rogue wave threw them overboard, forcing them to swim to shore for safety. While the fishermen survived, the “Queen Bee” was swept away and thought to be gone forever, until early 2012 when it mysteriously washed up off the coast of Spain surviving an incredible three-and-a-half year, 3,000-plus-mile journey out to sea.
An incredible three-and-a-half year, 3,000-plus-mile journey out to sea.
The 26-foot sportfisher was discovered with its two engines intact and its hull still seaworthy — with first-aid kit, radio, nautical maps, fire extinguishers, and other key components in place. With the exception of rust, mussel attachment, and a slightly bruised T-Top frame, the boat emerged with little more than a few broken latches — proof that American manufacturing is alive and well.
In January 2012
The Queen Bee mysteriously washed up off the coast of Spain. While we will never know the extent of what she encountered on her three-and-a-half year, 3,000-plus-mile journey, Lt. Joe Klinker, a U.S. Coast Guard Spokesperson, told MSNBC that “the ability to withstand the hardships of the Atlantic has a lot to do with the make of the boat.” Indeed, Regulators are built to last — as proven by the findings of Regulator’s engineers on her return home.
- The stringer/grillage system was totally intact and as strong as a brand new Regulator, owing to the use of composite core instead of wood.
- The console did not move — even with the incredible impact that ripped the T-Top off!
- The bracket and Yamaha engines did not budge, and the boat was still structurally sound enough to re-rig and run!
In July 2012
Regulator brought the Queen Bee home via Port of Baltimore.
“While she had sustained significant damage, the parts that made her a Regulator were still intact — the hull, the grillage, the console, and the engine bracket. This speaks volumes about the predictability of our boats in unpredictable conditions.”
— Don Seal, Regulator Marine Engineer
In August 2012
Scott Douglas and Rich St. Pierre were reunited with the Queen Bee more than four years after their fateful day of fishing.
“I was shocked. There is no other word for it. By now, more than four years had passed, and we thought the boat would never be seen again.”
— Scott Douglas, Queen Bee Owner
There is no other word for it. By now, more than four years had passed, and we thought the boat would never be seen again.