Updates from the ocean: challenges of the seven sailors already at sea in the Global Solo Challenge
by Margherita Pelaschier / Global Solo Challenge 26 Oct 2023 06:12 NZDT
Global Solo Challenge © Global Solo Challenge
While eight competitors prepare to set sail from A Coruna on October 28th, the seven sailors at sea are making great strides on the route of their dreams, with a few minor setbacks along the way.
Dafydd Hughes, who set the course for the Global Solo Challenge fleet with his departure on August 26th, achieved another significant milestone on October 23rd, after nearly two months at sea: crossing the first major cape, Cape of Good Hope, the virtual gateway to the Deep South. The Welsh skipper demonstrated great skill in navigation on his Bendigedig, an S&S34, skillfully overcoming Atlantic challenges such as the Intertropical Convergence Zone and the high pressure of St. Helena.
Dafydd Hughes has reached "another milestone to rejoice in, but my attention has already shifted to the next goal: the Kerguelen Islands archipelago, before reaching Cape Leeuwin, south of Australia," Dafydd shares. "I am doing well both mentally and physically. Bendigedig continues to take exceptional care of me, and I try to do the same for her. My focus is solely on how to navigate best. I'm pleased to have crossed the Cape of Good Hope, a performance few sailors have achieved solo. We are now sailing in the full southern ocean, and it's interesting because all the wind patterns have changed."
A few days before his exploit, however, he suffered a minor injury. At night, pushed by a moving line, he hit his head against a winch in a very confused sea, causing a wound above his right eye. Consulting with his nurse partner, who was guiding him from land, he applied steri-strips to the cut.
Joanna Hughes, Dafydd's partner, shared how she's coping with Dafydd's absence and how they jointly faced the medical emergency: "I try to engage with my work while Dafydd is away. I decided staying home alone isn't healthy for me; hence, I manage Team Bendigedig's social media between ER shifts. This also keeps me from panicking when accidents happen, like Friday night. Dafydd handled the mishap well and immediately contacted me by email to inform me and send pictures of his injury. I believe he did an excellent job treating himself.
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