MySailing reports that a single handed sailor, Tomasz Cichoki, who set sail from Brest, France, on 1 July on a non stop single handed voyage around the world in a Delphia 40 yacht is now headed for Port Elizabeth after hitting an object and losing steering.
MySailing says:
Approximately a week ago Tomasz Cichoki was about 1000nm east of the Cape of Good Hope, enduring a storm with pretty constant 55 knot winds and 9m seas, when the boat struck an object in the water. The impact threw Tom across the cockpit, knocking him out, and he has suffered a broken rib and a very painful shoulder. When he came to and got back on his feet, he discover that the steering was jammed, and after struggling to free it, he now has 20% steering.
His dilemma was whether to turn back, 1000nm, or continue, perhaps by running two headsails wing and wing and make the 4000 mile run to Perth.
The organisers thought it prudent for Tomasz to turn back and haul the boat out in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where he should arrive today. The boat will be hauled out and the rudder and hull inspected, whilst Tomasz undergoes medical treatment.
Once repairs are completed Tomasz will be continuing his voyage in the Delphia 40, “Polish Copper”.
Tomasz will have to return to the point at which he turned back and then, from there, continue his solo around the world trip. It is estimated that this will add four weeks and 2000 nautical miles to his around the world trip.
