Sodeb'O from Neutrogena at Cape Horn. Image copyright Team Neutrogena.
Ryan Breymaier with co-skipper Boris Herrmann celebrate the rounding of Cape Horn (in the background of the picture). Image copyright Team Neutrogena.
by Kirsten Ferguson
Ryan Breymaier, with co-skipper Boris Herrmann (Germany) aboard Team Neutrogena, rounded Cape Horn yesterday but encountered major problems during their approach to the Cape when the keel hydraulic system sustained almost complete failure earlier this week. It was the middle of the night and the auto-pilot was steering when the boat jumped a wave, which caused damage to the keel’s water valves.
The scenery at Cape Horn. Image copyright Team Neutrogena.
“We tried to diagnose and repair the damage ourselves, but called our shore team and the manufacturer of the system when several hours of our efforts met with no success,” said Breymaier. “We ended up succeeding in fixing the problem, but are now reduced to nursing the boat home.”
Video of Neutrogena passing Cape Horn and Sodeb'O:
Team Neutrogena still holds a solid fourth place in the rankings out of the 12 doublehanded teams remaining in the 25,000 nautical mile (46,300 km) race, which includes 2,000 hours of non-stop competition across three vast oceans, two hemispheres and around three famous Capes.
Breymaier rests up before the rounding of Cape Horn with some hot food in the navigation station. Image copyright Team Neutrogena.
“Our stated objective has been to complete a non-stop circumnavigation, and with careful sailing we still believe this to be possible. We will continue on our way and unless the damage grows worse, we will see everyone in Barcelona at the finish line in a month,” said Breymaier.
The Chilean navy sees Neutrogena around Cape Horn. Image copyrigt Guillermo Altadill.
Boris Herrmann Racing
Breymaier Racing
Barcelona World Race
