As the 11 boat fleet races to Cape Horn and beyond, Robin Davie will no longer officially be one of them. He has announced his withdrawal as an official competitor.
Davie had the following to say about withdrawing from Around Alone 98-99: "It's a reality a necessity," he said. "We need the time to put the boat back together properly. I just hope all my sponsors and supporters understand. I still intend to complete the circumnavigation [in an unofficial status]. I plan to sail back to Charleston by May via Cape Horn, and I intend to enjoy the voyage and to continue filing my stories via COMSAT email to keep everyone informed of my progress. It's disheartening to be out of the race, but I'm here, on two legs and two feet, and that's the important thing. Now it's time to move on to the next stage."
Davie's race was a struggle from the starting gun. He began the race late, and his Leg 1 was capped by rudder failure. He started Leg 2 late and had more problems such as: alternator failure, steering problems and a forestay failure. Race director Mark Schrader gave this description of South Carolina upon the boat's Auckland arrival: ""Both headsail furlers were broken. The mainsail was split right in two. The wind vane had sheared off. The rudder shaft had failed. He had lashings and Spanish windlasses from one end of the boat to the other. It's fair to say there's not another sailor in the world who could've gotten this boat, in this condition, in here safely. It's extraordinary. It must've been absolute torture out there. I've seen Robin do some amazing things over the years but this takes the cake."
So, Robin will not officially complete his Around Alone. However, he does intend to complete the circumnavigation which will be his 3rd. Davie expects to leave Auckland in approximately 10 days after making repairs. Race sponsor COMSAT will continue to provide communications and safety equipment. Torresen Sailing Site will provide periodic reports from Davie.