Solo sailor forced to turn back

Gutted solo around-the-world sailor Maurice Contessi has had to turn around in the Southern Ocean while en route to Cape Horn and head for New Zealand with electrical problems.

The Melbourne yachtsman who, raising funds for motor neurone disease (MND), was attempting a solo and unassisted circumnavigation of the world when ran into problems and headed back to the west on November 10.

Contessi, 54, had left Melbourne on his Cole 43, Full Circle, on October 15 in an attempt to set the dual records of being the oldest, and fastest, Australian to circunavigate the globe alone and unassisted.

Speaking from his website, Mr Contessi said: "You have probably been wondering why updates have not been made for the last few days. Truth is that the Full Circle team has been working hard since last Wednesday (Nov 9) to try and rectify a number of issues with (the boat)."

Mr Contessi went on to say that the problems started with his wind generator: "The first problem began at around 1.00am when the wind Generator, at the stern of FC, sheared from its mount. Assessment of the issue indicated that nothing could be done to repair the mounts without being able to use a welder," he said.

"Despite this, we continued on, but our subsequent back-up systems for powering (the batteries) being a water turbine and solar panels have also failed -- a first of that (situation) I have heard, but such is the nature of sailing," the slso sailor added.

Mr Contessi said that the only remaining source of power to recharge the yacht’s batteries was the engine. However, the boat does not carry enough diesel fuel to charge the batteries for the whole journey around the world without compromising safety.

Hence, the decision was made on November 10 to turn the vessel around and head back to New Zealand.

"We are currently planning to return the vessel to port for repairs and will then assess whether to turn around and continue," said Mr Contessi.

If the boat does continue, the official attempt will no longer be recognised as a solo, unassisted voyage and will become a personal journey for Maurice to complete of his own accord at the same time still raising awareness for MND.

Followers can still get updates and donate to the MND cause by going to www.onefullcircle.com