The Famous Project CIC’s second week at sea has delivered both triumph and setback.
The North Atlantic proved an ideal training ground, allowing the crew to master their powerful multihull. With champagne conditions and speeds touching 30 knots, they found their rhythm and carved through the miles with growing confidence.
That momentum came to an abrupt halt on Friday, December 12th, when the team discovered critical damage to the mainsail hook. The fault has forced them to sail under severely reduced canvas – just a double-reefed mainsail and staysail – until they can attempt a proper repair in the calmer waters off South Africa. The cost is significant: a 30 to 40% reduction in average speed for the remainder of their passage to the Cape of Good Hope.
Compounding the challenge, a low-pressure system is bearing down on their position. With building seas and strengthening winds, their margin for error has shrunk considerably. Every tactical decision must now factor in the vulnerability of their compromised rig.
The immediate priority is clear: navigate around the worst of the approaching weather and avoid the 30-knot gusts at the depression’s core. Once conditions allow, they’ll complete the repairs begun yesterday and restore the mainsail to full operation.
You can follow The Famous Project CIC’s record attempt on the following platforms:
- The Famous Project CIC tracking map: https://thefamousproject.io/mapster-wp-map/tracking-theboat/
- Website: https://thefamousproject.io/
- The Famous Project CIC on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook
