He's still laughing: Stanley Paris on board his "Kiwi Spirit"
He wanted to become the oldest non-stopper and spent four years preparing for this journey of his life with great energy and high financial outlay. Now the official end comes in a sober consideration on the New Zealander's website. After Stanley Paris was confronted with bruised ribs and tattered sails after an unexpected strong wind on New Year's morning, he held out for a few days, sailed more cautiously and fought against pain.
Termination for technical reasons
Now the demolition. Tragically, the decision is not based on the condition of the single-handed sailor, but of all things on the material that he had so carefully tailored to the trip. "My physical condition is not part of this decision," Paris writes explicitly on his blog. Apparently several repairs to the rig of the 64-foot yacht had been necessary since he set out on the voyage on December 2nd from St. Augustine in Florida.
After extensive consultation with the designers at Farr Yacht Design, to whom the New Zealander had sent photos of the problem areas in question on his yacht, the decision was made. Paris will call at Cape Town, which is around 1,700 nautical miles away at the time of his decision, and interrupt the voyage.
Enough expected
"Perhaps I should apologize for disappointing so many. On the other hand, I can tell everyone that I tried and that it did not fail because of my will," wrote Paris. He now wants to have the ship brought back as cargo. There will be no second attempt, so Paris. He has already expected enough of his family.
More information about the trip on Paris' blog www.stanleyparis.com or on his Facebook page.
Paris' yacht "Kiwi Spirit" will be presented as a special boat in YACHT 3/2014. The magazine will be available in stores from January 22nd.