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Victoria Solo Circumnavigator Crosses Halfway Mark |
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Written by Marylou Wakefield
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 Glenn Wakefield on his solo journey around the world—backwards.
Although more than halfway through his journey, Wakefield is acutely aware the most difficult part lies ahead—namely rounding Cape Horn. He remains vigilant about monitoring weather and ensuring both he and Kim Chow, his Phil Rhodes-designed Cheoy Lee Offshore 40, are up to the challenge.
“I’m aware of all the souls who’ve gone before me and whose experience I now call on to make my rounding. I feel humbled by those great sailors and honoured to be part of that fleet,” he said. The approximately 1,500-mile rounding from 50° S in the Atlantic to 50° S in the Pacific, should take three weeks and be completed by late April.
After more than 19,000 miles in challenging conditions, Wakefield is impressed with the performance of Kim Chow. “At times, I’ve had to beat into 25 knots of wind and three-metre seas for 18–20 hours, and I still covered 150 miles. She’s proven herself more than capable of handling that.”
Wakefield enjoys the support via email from family and friends around the world, including Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Perhaps his most unexpected pleasure has been the daily conversations with amateur ham radio operators in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, who tune in for weather updates and to share personal stories.
“I never could have imagined meeting so many wonderful people on a solo circumnavigation,” Wakefield said. “Their support has been overwhelming.”
To follow Wakefield’s progress, visit www.kimchowaroundtheworld.com.
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