JesseMartin.Net
23 Feb 1999
THE week started with a rescue deep in the Southern Ocean for Isabelle Autissier.
It was a shock to hear she was in trouble but I suspected that it would be Giovanni Soldini who was closest and who would detour to rescue her.
I had been speaking over the radio to Neil Hunter, the only Australian in the race, and he kept me informed. Isabelle was about 1000 nautical miles away from me and I had a bit of a giggle when some media thought I was involved with the rescue.
It would take me about a week to reach her. I wonder how these ideas start?
Isabelle set off her 406 EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) which sends a distress message to satellites which relayed her position to rescuers.
I have two EPIRBs in the yacht and the liferaft. The raft also has flares, a survival suit, VHF radio, GPS, compass and water maker to ensure the best possible chance of survival.
A few days ago I altered the steering gear and pointed Lionheart's bow towards Cape Horn for the start of my descent. It has become cold and I still have to go further south.
I received a report from my weather adviser telling me there was a BIG low heading my way.
Thankfully he meant BIG as in it covered a large area with winds no more that 45 knots.
However a second low has formed behind it and I got a message today telling me to slow down and head south as much as possible.
I've got the storm jib up and doing 4-5 knots.
I've got some more questions from a few schools. Year 5N at St Mary's Bairnsdale wanted to know my fastest speed clocked so far. I don't know exactly, but roughly 150 nautical miles a day.
As I get closer to the Horn this will increase as there is up to 3 knots of current going with me.
Elle from Leitchville Primary wanted to know if I get sea sick. Thankfully I haven't.
At the beginning my head was a bit stuffy but I believe the adrenaline got me through and since then I've been cured.
Russell also wanted to know if I have seen any icebergs. I haven't yet but I would like to.
Maybe when I get further south I will pick them up on the radar because my friends want me to tow one home, but I can't really see that happening.