The challenge by Limerick solo sailor Peter Lawless (52,) to be the first Irishman to sail non-stop round the world non-top, is facing problems with the Rival 41 Waxwing’s steering gear malfunctioning off southwest Portugal. Having departed from Kilrush on August 21st, Waxwing had a fast crossing of the Bay of Biscay. But since then Peter has experienced extensive calms and headwinds in an area where the favourable “Portuguese Trades” would normally be expected, and in sailing to windward in a 24 to 26-knot sou’wester, he has encountered an operational problem in the linkup between the rudder and the steering gear which may necessitate finding somewhere with guaranteed calm conditions in order to effect a full repair.
Further information is available on his web page Track chart here