"So far, so good," he said, reflecting the beginning of what promises to be an exciting adventure.Continue reading
Szabolcs Weöres, competing in the Vendée Globe cross-country sailing race, capsized his boat, causing significant damage to the New Europe, reports Origo.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 12, at around 10 p.m. when wind speeds reached 30-40 knots, and the swell measured 3.5-4.5 meters. The mast struck the water, leading to major damage to the sails. Despite the situation, Weöres worked overnight to prevent further damage and successfully secured the torn mainsail, although he cannot sail safely at the moment.
The Hungarian sailor hopes conditions will improve soon, allowing him to climb the mast and attempt to free the other furled, torn sail, though this is not expected to happen until Thursday.
He plans to repair the mainsail around Madeira, where he hopes to find calmer waters. In the meantime, he continues to assess the damage. Weöres, in a video message posted to the race’s website, assured viewers that he is fine and has not sustained any injuries. He expressed uncertainty about how to proceed but emphasized his intent to make the best of the situation.
The Vendée Globe is considered one of the toughest round-the-world sailing races, where competitors must navigate the globe alone in 18-meter monohulls without any external help or mooring. It is a true test of endurance and resilience, and Weöres’ determination to overcome this challenge, despite the setbacks, underscores the race’s extreme nature.
Via Origo; Featured Image: Pixabay