17 November, 2013 08:50

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

At 5:14 (GMT +1) Giancarlo Pedote (Prysmian) reached the gate off Puerto Calero. The Italian navigator was able to make contact with the race organisations vessel and said that all was well on board. Behind him, several competitors have already announced that they are considering a stopover.

While the leaders are preparing to leave the Canary Islands in their wake, many competitors have confirmed they would like to pitstop in Puerto Calero. This is the case for Nolwen Carlan (Reality) who snapped his port rudder but has continued to push on after makeshift repairs. Nolwen also has no spinnaker halyard, but his unwavering determination has won the respect and admiration of the the official support boat crews. A broken rudder ripped also explains the current route of Ludovic Méchin Road (Paris Texas) who has declared his on en route to Rabat.

Several other boats have already announced that they will make a technical stop. Rafaëla de Gouvello (Respectocean.com) has no spinnaker halyard, as does David Genest (Bingo). Erwan Pellen (Mordilou) and Yoann Tricault (Schuster Systems) will be reliant on the support of our Calero family to locate everything they will need to repair their damaged rudders.

In the race area, the wind is blowing at around 15 knots with a few scattered squalls.

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Published by Richard Hewson

Richard Hewson is a Tasmania-based ships captain, marine surveyor, and experienced sailor with a lifelong connection to the sea. With experience in project management and vessel commissioning, he has operated and raced a wide range of vessels—from dinghies and Maxi yachts to tankers, icebreakers and research vessels. Richard has competed in major offshore events including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet, Middle Sea, and Transatlantic races including the Mini Transat. In 2012, he skippered the winning yacht in the Clipper Round the World Race. He has sailed to every continent and explored all corners of the world from Antarctica to south pacific atols and recently completed a three-year family voyage from the Netherlands to Tasmania. Richard holds a Master Class 1 (unrestricted), RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Engineering (1200kw) and commercial diving certifications, and is an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor. He is also affiliated with the Australasian Institutes of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about all things that float.

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