As the crew of The Famous Project CIC entered their final full week at sea, they had hoped for an uneventful sail towards the finish line. However, fate had other plans.
On Wednesday, the mainsail tore from luff to leech under the second reef. The crew managed to drop the main, secure it at the second reef point, and resume their course. The effort required was immense, yet their relief proved short-lived as further challenges loomed on the horizon.
Courtesy of Storm Ingrid, conditions ahead threatened to deliver 10-metre waves and gusts of 55-60 knots along their route to the finish. With IDEC Sport already fatigued and the risk of further damage high, the decision was made on Thursday to shelter in the Azores, wait out the worst of the storm, and resume sailing once conditions improved. Crew safety remains paramount, and at this advanced stage of the voyage, every risk must be carefully weighed.
As misfortune often comes in threes, Friday brought yet more setback. What remained of the mainsail ripped completely, leaving the crew with only the headboard and wing mast for sail area.
The determined slog to the finish continues, with the crew now focused on maintaining speeds above 10 knots for the remaining 755 miles.
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