Solo Circumnavigator Whitall Stokes Rounds Cape Horn

First the Good News

Whitall Stokes and his Open 50 Sparrow made it around Cape Horn on December 26 in an attempt to sail a singlehanded and nonstop eastabout circumnavigation starting from and returning to San Francisco. Whitall had to approach the Horn carefully, with Sparrow experiencing little problems along the way. Nothing major, just annoying problems. “I’m hoping I’ve solved the leak over the navigation station electronics. Epoxy, caulk, tape and everything I tried to no avail,” he wrote on December 20. “We are now using some plumber’s putty and some tough crack-filling goop that should flex a bit.”

And a Little Bigger Problem?

“No news yet on the rudder bearing. I’m thinking the hull is flexing around the bearing and rudder shaft. Maybe end up lubricating, sailing conservatively, less runner tension and limping around a bit when seas are up.”

On the 24th, he reported: “400 miles to the Horn. Weather looks decent at the moment anyway. It’s been a rough few days as a couple of low-pressure cells went by; I haven’t really been up to posting. Mostly breeze has been the garden-variety gale at 35 – 40 knots, but early morning on the 23rd we saw over 50 knots.”

Then on the 26th, Whithall and Sparrow made it past the Horn. “Behold! An emotional morning with not much sleep last night. Sparrow finally rounded Cape Horn! Delayed due to a period of no wind and mainsail traveler car issues last night.”

But even with problems slowing them down, Whitall kept positive. “I’m grateful for the delay and the good weather this morning as it allowed me to see the surrounding area. Snow on the Andes! It’s really spectacular country down here. The Chilean Coast Guard checked in with me, for which I am also grateful. “Special shout-out to Brian Boschma for the chardonnay! A little early, but so very welcome. Another special shout-out to Jamie Cantu for the long underwear that has made a cold trip tolerable. “It’s so nice to have a few hours of relatively calm seas here in the lee of South America. Somehow seeing Cape Horn this way has made this whole effort feel worthwhile. With Stage 2 complete, it’s now time for a little lunch and some sleep.”

Now Here’s the Bad News

While Whitall has tolerated relatively small problems like leaks, and bigger ones like noisy rudder bearings, he has to pull the plug and head into port in Argentina with major damage.

“Heading for Ushuaia for repairs and should arrive tomorrow morning. No idea what will happen with Customs and COVID. The port-side double turning block ripped out of the deck this morning, complete with broken backing plate. This happened while I was heading upwind through the strait in 20 knots and smooth seas. This is on top of the traveler failure the other day, which I am also unable to repair at sea. No further decisions have been made.”

With the runner block gone, the only thing he could have done was head for safe harbor. His list of repairs before the next step is extensive, and we will have to wait for the report of what’s next. See www.svsparrow.com for more details.