A philosophical Jonathan Brewin took the bitter disappointment of being forced out of this year's Marion to Bermuda Race through sail damage with a grain of salt yesterday.

The veteran sailor's J160, Big Bear, had led the fleet most of the way and was within touching distance of claiming both class and overall line honours when strong headwinds eventually took its toll.

Big Bear ripped her mainsail in 20-25 south, southeast winds, leaving her crew with very little options before they decided to throw in the proverbial white towel.

Reliving the sobering ordeal, Brewin said: "We retired at approximately 7.30 a.m. this morning (Tuesday) when we were 74 miles from the finish.

"The difficult decision was taken following significant and irreparable damage to our mainsail sustained during heavy conditions overnight."

In an effort to salvage the race, Big Bear's crew frantically hoisted their trysail but all to no avail as progress towards the Island was reduced to a trickle in rough conditions.

"We realised quite swiftly that our upwind performance was compromised to such an extent that we would have to sail approximately 160 miles to make it into the Island," Brewin continued.

"In light of the difficult weather conditions forecast for the next 36 hours we unanimously agreed to retire and make our way directly to the Island."

Big Bear suffered a first setback last Sunday when heavy winds blew out her spinnaker and jib during a squall, which proved to be an ominous sign of far worst things to come.

"One thing led to another and you really had to ask yourself 'where does it stop'," said watch captain and bowman, Somers Kempe.

"I was just surprised the sails didn't hold up longer than they should have considering they were virtually brand new and hadn't been used before.

"The weather wasn't really all that bad

"We really weren't pushing that hard, but we were just unlucky that some sails just didn't hold up.

"I've sailed in far worst conditions with sails like that and come out fine.

"It was very disappointing and I think everyone agrees we had everything pretty much sewn up.

"Once we realised the mainsail had come apart we made some calculations and the decision to try again next year (2011)." Rather than dwell on what might have been, skipper Brewin praised his crew of Buddy Rego (watch captain), Peter Shrubb, Allan Williams (helmsman), Mike Carey (engineer), Mark Henneberger (chef), navigator Kieron O'Connell and Kempe for their hard work ethic.

"It has been a very exciting and physically demanding race with all crew working fantastically well together to get the most out of the Bear," Brewin said.

"Special mention has to go to our navigator, Kieron O'Connell, for his amazing efforts in the navigation station and to Mark Henneberger, our chef, who in spite of the very bouncy conditions, provided delicious meals with a constant smile."

Big Bear was among a trio of local entries in this year's Marion to Bermuda Race, all of which failed to make it to the finish line under sail.

Paul Hubbard's Bermuda Oyster did not start due to a mechanical breakdown while Jonathan Baxter's Pond Prowler switched on her engines early in the race to avoid a lull.