Tropic 4 Cancer Atlantic Crossing: Strong winds cause minor damage to Haskapa

Richard Mayon-White and his 21 ft (6.5m) yacht Haskapa continue to make progress in his solo bid to follow the latitude of the Tropic 4 Cancer across the Atlantic.

By day three (Monday) he was clear of the Straits of Gibraltar shipping lanes and making good progress before being hit by a strong weather system on Tuesday. Haskapa has suffered some damage including a broken kicking strap which was causing leaking through the mast into the boat, as well as a leaking transducer.  Richard had make running repairs but will stop at La Gomera in the Canaries to make full repairs before continuing his 4000 mile voyage which will end in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.  

Richard reports, “Haskapa is a mini-transat yacht and the sensation in the bad weather feels a bit like being in the inside of a washing machine. During the past 48 hours we’ve had 30 knot winds and 3-4 metre waves with a very confused wave pattern. Waves are mainly coming from the north east, but with a few from the west, and it seems some from the east. As a result every now and again a wave breaks over the cockpit. This usually happens when I'm least expecting it, or at the most inconvenient moment - like when I've just dried out from the last one and am about to head into the cabin!”

Haskapa is making good progress towards La Gomera and is expected to arrive there sometime on Thursday night (31st October) or Friday morning (1st November).

Richard says “With a bit of help I will get things sorted quickly and be on my way again.”

Richard, an experienced ocean sailor who has also already rowed double handed across the Atlantic, is aiming to raise £40,000 to be split equally between two great causes, the Sobell House Hospice in Oxford and the national charity Sail 4 Cancer, which gives respite to cancer sufferers and their families through days out on the water and sailing holidays. He is already more than half way to achieving that sum.

Richard's progress can be tracked by logging onto his website at www.tropic4cancer.com and clicking on "Live Tracking". This will update Richard's position every 4 hours.  Updates are also on Facebook and Twitter.

To donate visit www.tropic4cancer.com and click on "Donate".