Tony Bullimore
Blue Ocean Wireless Solo Round the World Challenge

Winds recede to give Bullimore a breather on 5th day of Blue Ocean Wireless Round the World Challenge.

British yachtsman Tony Bullimore reported early today that the 40-50knot winds that gave his 102ft catamaran Doha such a battering over the past 2 days, have dropped to a more manageable 25-30 knots.

Speaking on Doha’s Blue Ocean Wireless satellite phone, soon after crossing the International Date Line, the 68 year old circumnavigator said: ‘Thank goodness the winds have dropped at last. As soon as it gets light, I will complete a full check of the boat and do any maintenance that is necessary.’

It has been an exhausting time, and having been hunkered down with thee reefs in Doha’s giant mainsail, her speed had dropped to little more than 13knots at the latest position report. That is much less than the speed required to match Dame Ellen MacArthur’s 71day 14 hour solo circumnavigation record, but Tony is not perturbed at this stage. ‘I will be unfurling the big Solent jib shortly and may even shake a reef out of the mainsail. Doha is quite capable of making 480 mile a day runs when the weather is right, and I have just got to put my foot down to catch up lost time.’ He said.

The westerly winds also give Bullimore an opportunity to head further north.  Lee Bruce, Team Bullimore’s weather forecaster, has highlighted another big Southern Ocean buster sweeping east over Doha’s current track on May 9 and is keen for Tony to hitch a ride on the favourable winds sweeping around to the north of the low pressure system. ‘I’d like to see Tony move up to at least 53S, and 52S if possible to give some room for when the next big blow comes through.’ He has advised.

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