Greenwich yachtsman delays transatlantic crossing until August
A yachtsman attempting to sail the Atlantic single-handed has delayed his trip by three months.
The solo crossing planned for May 1 by Michael Hurley, of Red Lion Lane, Shooters Hill, from New York to Gibraltar, has been postponed, until August 1.
The destination has been changed to Plymouth in the UK because a passage to Gibraltar would not be possible after Mediterranean ports were closes.
And after mid-June, the recommended weather window closes for transatlantic passages to the Med from New England.
The route from New York to Plymouth will pass along a latitude considerably north of the original planned course.
As the North Atlantic warms up with the advance of summer, fog becomes less frequent and the icebergs begin melting – and they sometimes drift as far south as latitude 40°N.
Therefore late summer appears to be safer, and the best time for Mr Hurley’s passage, aboard the 32-foot sloop Nevermore, is August.
He said: “Because of the lockdown currently in force in London, we will be unable to carry on with our plans for a dinner and talk to kick-off the Across Alone Campaign at St Luke’s Church on April 20.
“I have instead recorded the remarks I intended to give at this event, entitled The Leap: A Sailor Talks About Fear & Loneliness, in a 1hr 15min video that is viewable on YouTube.
“I hope viewers will find encouragement in my remarks about confronting fear and loneliness in this time of crisis.
Mr Hurley is also planning 160-character text updates via satellite during the 30-40 days he expects to be at sea.
Other details are on his YouTube channel here.
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