Cape Town man to sail solo round world
By Anél Powell
More people have stood on the top of Everest than have sailed solo around the world. But Jan Wouters, a Belgian sailor now based in Blouberg, wants to become the 163rd person to circumnavigate the globe solo.
What will make Wouters's journey unusual is that he will sail in the "wrong" direction, against global prevailing winds and currents.
Instead of following the route from Europe into the Atlantic Ocean, first taken by pioneering solo navigator Joshua Slocum in 1895, Wouters will leave from Cape Town and head south and east.
Sailing in the 'wrong' direction
"This is the most dangerous route because of the very difficult weather patterns," said Wouters.
Although he will only set sail on his French-made yacht, Boa Esperanza, in November, preparations for the gruelling four-month trip are already under way.
"It's not about setting a record to be the fastest," said Wouters. By going in the direction he has chosen, Wouters has assured himself of a mention in the history books.
"This is something that has been in my head since I was a young boy. I was always intrigued by stories of people doing similar things," said Wouters, who has been sailing since the age of 11.
Since then, he has made numerous solo voyages and two years ago he sailed solo across the Indian Ocean.
'Difficult weather patterns'
Wouters said there is little that can prepare you for four months of solitude on the sea.
"The biggest fear is of yourself." He has been doing yoga and meditation to help with the solitary voyage.
Posted by: www.SouthAfrica-CarHire.com
News Source: www.iol.co.za
