Monnet Update - Cape Leeuwin this evening

Cape Leeuwin this evening

Philippe Monnet is getting ready to pass the second mythical cape of his circumnavigation : Cape Leeuwin, at the SW tip of Australia. He is enjoying favourable weather conditions in this part of the Indian Ocean, allowing him to continue his general check-up of the boat and extend his lead over Mike Golding’s record. Last position at 13.30 GMT : 36°08 S – 116°19 E

Between two highs

Cape Leeuwin is the second important waypoint on Philippe Monnet’s circumnavigation against the prevailing winds. "I’ve already passed it several times", explained the yachtsman, "but never so close. The sky is still too overcast to make out the shape but the sun should come out soon ".

At midday, Philippe was 70 miles (130 km) from the cape and was sailing between two highs : "since yesterday, the water temperature has climbed from 11 to 20°C and the Australian coast is now sheltering me from the Northerly swell". A radical change that should allow the skipper to dry some of his equipment soaked by the humidity for several weeks.

"Pleased and reassured"

For the time being, the steady weather conditions are allowing Monnet to pursue his general inspection of UUNET and to tidy his monohull after 50 trying days : "a leaking jerrycan of fuel flooded the inside of a locker where equipment was stowed. It left a very unpleasant smell so I’m taking advantage of the lull to clean up".

Apart from this incident, the yachtsman announced that UUNET was in fine fettle : "The runner seems stable. As for the rest of the boat, she is in perfect condition despite the rough treatment. I’m rather pleased and reassured".

So the passing of Cape Leeuwin should go ahead in good conditions. Let’s hope that progress in the second half of the Indian Ocean as far as the Cape of Good Hope will be calmer than the route covered since Cape Horn…

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