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Sailing non-stop,single handed and unassisted around the world is considered by many to be the ultimate accomplishment in the sailing world.
In fact more people have been into outer space than have completed the voyage. Just a handful have set out in a westbound direction against the relentless currents and the procession of violent storms that lash the Southern Ocean with hurricane force winds that cause mountainous waves. On 2 October 2016 Andy Lamont will attempt to join this elite and legendary group of sailors. The only difference will be that, if successful he will go down in history as the first person to set the record in the 40 Foot class. |
The CourseAndy will leave for the Gold Coast in Queensland. He will travel South, then West under Australia towards the Cape of Good Hope. From there he will cross the equator in the Atlantic bound for the Canary Islands.
After rounding the Canaries Andy will head south back down tfor the feared Cape Horn. This will be the most critical part of the voyage. All things being well he will then leave Cape Horn behind on his way back home to the Gold Coast in sunny Queensland, Australia. |
How long will it take?Sailing against the prevailing wind and the currents will take much longer than sailing with the wind and the currents pushing you along all the way. The constant pounding can cause elements of the rig to wear prematurely, so while Andy will be sailing as fast as he believes the conditions will allow, the desire to complete as many miles per day as possible has to be tempered and balanced against the potential wear and tear on the boat and its rigging. Nevertheless Andy hopes to complete the voyage in less than 11 months.
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