Mission complete to Durban

by Marco Nannini, Global Solo Challenge
For Global Solo Challenge competitor, Ari Känsäkoski’s ordeal started with the dismasting on December 21 of his Class40 ZEROchallenge in the Roaring Forties. Patience, seamanship and determination made it possible for Känsäkoski to reach Durban, South Africa in a voyage from a remote area of the Indian Ocean back to safety, through many difficulties as well as the selfless help of those who offered him crucial help during this time.

Background
The incident occurred in a remote area of the Indian Ocean at a latitude of over 41 degrees when the lower diagonal shroud of his mast, the D1, failed, and despite his taking down all sail hoping to secure the mast at dusk, the violent rolling of the boat under bare poles caused the mast to snap in half and collapse on deck and overboard.

Position
He was approximately 1000 nm south of Madagascar, 1200 nm from continental Africa, and 1400 nm from Cape Town. South West Australia was more than 3000 nm away. Despite being just 300 nm from the Iles Crozet, these remote Islands offer no facilities and just a bay to drop anchor, which would have not made the trip to the African continent any easier.

Immediate action
He secured the fallen mast, waiting for an opportune weather window to retrieve the top section onto the deck using his winches and an outrigger to create a crane to lift the mast aboard. He then went on to build a jury rig to hoist storm sails, marking the start of a challenging journey towards safety.

With limited fuel on board, difficult weather, and in the full flow of an easterly flowing eddie of the Agulhas current, the Finnish skipper charted a northerly course in consultation with his routing team to get out of the Roaring Forties. This essential move was, however, quickly depriving the skipper of his limited fuel resources. On Christmas day, MRCC Reunion in coordination with Känsäkoski, broadcast a message on targeting any vessel that may be navigating in nearby waters.

Tomi Maru 58’s delicate refuelling operation
The following day, the Japanese fishing vessel Tomi Maru No.58, captained by Sachio Hagiya, responded. Despite challenging sea conditions, they successfully transferred 300 liters of fuel and other essential supplies to Känsäkoski. This fuel proved crucial in covering many miles to the north towards easier conditions and favorable winds. However, the fuel transferred was not enough for the whole journey to safety.

Operation Pancake
With more than a third of his 1200 nm journey to safety still to be covered, a lucky coincidence led to the encounter between the brand new Finnish RO-PAX vessel Finncanopus and Känsäkoski’s yacht. Finncanopus, en route to Durban, was on its maiden voyage from China to the Baltic Sea and had diverted from the traditional Red Sea route, due to the current situation.

Känsäkoski, who was making painstakingly slow progress with very little fuel left, saw an opportunity with Finncanopus’ route and contacted Finnlines for assistance. Captain Jyrki Repo of Finncanopus expertly navigated the challenging sea conditions, positioning the ship to mitigate the waves which enabled Känsäkoski to approach safely.

The operation involved the transfer of essential supplies, including clean diesel and additional provisions (freshly baked bread and pancakes!), using a throwing line and floating cans. The operation was a resounding success, allowing Känsäkoski to continue his journey towards Durban with clean diesel.

Arrival in Durban
The arrival in Durban was timed to be at first light on January 15th but reserved some last minute drama. After such precious service, the engine V-belt broke when he was just 10 miles from port. Thankfully, rescue boat R5A assisted in the final 10 nm to tow Känsäkoski into port of Durban, and to the Durban Marina.

Special thanks
The Global Solo Challenge organizers, Ari Känsäkoski, and his shore team extend their deepest gratitude to MRCC Reunion, Captain Hagiya, the crew of Tomi Maru No. 58, Captain Jyrki Repo, the crew of Finncanopus, Finnlines, NSRI Durban, Durban Marina, Point Yacht Club Rear Commodore Vince Nel, and all those who were involved in any other aspect of the operation and all those who have contributed to Känsäkoski’s fundraiser.

As organizers of the Global Solo Challenge, we are always humbled by the many people in the maritime community that offered selfless help throughout. Their timely assistance has renewed Känsäkoski’s hope of reaching a safe port and salvaging his vessel, continuing his arduous journey in challenging circumstances.

Race details – Entry list – Start times – Tracking

Attrition List:
DNS: Peter Bourke – Class40, Imagine
DNS: Ivan Dimov – Endur37, Blue Ibis
DNS: Curt Morlock – IMOCA, 6 Lazy K
DNS: Volkan Kaan Yemlihaoğlu – Open 70, Black Betty

RTD: Juan Merediz – Class40, Sorolla
RTD: Dafydd Hughes – S&S 34, Bendigedig
RTD: Ari Känsäkoski – Class40, ZEROchallenge

The inaugural Global Solo Challenge 2023-24 seeks to be a budget-friendly solo, non-stop race around the world. Using a pursuit format for the 2023-24 race, 20 entrants from 34 to 70 feet have start times between August 26 to January 6 from A Coruña, Spain, with the first boat to return deemed the winner.

Source: GSC