Final Prep for Solo Circle

Jeff Hartjoy is making final preparations aboard his and wife Debbie’s Baba 40 ketch Sailors Run for a Halloween departure from Ecuador on his approaching nonstop solo circumnavigation.

"It was a year and a half ago that I decided to go solo around the world nonstop, and at that time it somehow seemed so far away. Now today it seems to be rapidly approaching," writes Jeff. "I have been busy over the past month putting on new sails and many other parts to help insure a safe and successful passage. Chafe gear has been installed on both sets of spreaders as the back edges of them seem to be a little too sharp for the sails’ best interest. Many lines have been replaced or swapped end for end to extend their service life."

While tuning up his boat, Hartjoy has not neglected to tune up the skipper. "I have been running hard attempting to get in the best shape possible for the trip, and I’m happy to report my times keep coming down on my measured runs.

"I’m currently repainting the brightwork and will re-oil the teak in the cockpit area. I have also re-familiarized myself with sea anchor tactics and the means to deploy that 18-ft parachute if need be. Also the drogue was revisited and accessories for both made readily available. It will be interesting to see how big a part they may or may not play in the grand scheme of things."

"This next month will be primarily spent on final provisioning, and trying to stuff away a seven-months supply of all necessary foods and drinks.

"I know I have bitten off a huge challenge and look forward to living the adventure that will come out of it. I feel Sailors Run is in top condition for what might lie ahead. My health is good and I feel up for my battle with nature, to propel Sailors Run around the world unassisted (meaning no motoring or outside help). I have a lot of knowledge in heavy weather sailing, and therefore feel confident that we will prevail.

"My route around the world measures out at just over 22,000 miles via a rhumbline course. To come up with this much distance, I have had to add nearly 2,000 miles to my route, by sailing southwest after I cross up into the Northern Hemisphere and sailing past Easter Island on its western shore, and continuing in that direction until Longitude 120°W and Latitude 35°S, where I plan to take my first opportunity to turn southeast and sail for the Horn and the other four great southern capes: the Cape of Good Hope, Africa; Lewellen, Australia; West Cape, Tasmania; and finally East Cape, New Zealand."

For more, see the Sailors Run blog at www.sailorsrun.com, which Debbie will maintain.