Since Lisa's dismasting, I have not stopped thinking about her along with 1000s of others. I applaud the fact she doesn't want to be rescued. A strong and courageous woman whom I'm proud to call a friend as well as her mum Linda. It still makes my head spin that one day I was speaking to her live at the Women Who Sail Australia Gathering in Port Stephens, thinking she was on the home stretch...
But Lisa has grabbed this latest challenge with both strong capable arms and I will not be surprised if she makes the best, least expensive repair and replacement of the rig in Cape Town and will head off home to Austtalia as soon as she can. I have sailed to South Africa and I know she will receive a warm and supportive reception. There are good people there all standing by eager to help. I hope the next 10 days rolling around motoring in big seas will be uneventful.
For the details in Lisa's own words
Lisa Blair's blog
MEDIA RELEASE:
Sailor Lisa Blair heads to Cape Town under motor following dismast
2030 Tuesday 4 April 2017 (0030 SAST)
UPDATE
Australian sailor Lisa Blair has assessed the damage to her yacht Climate Action Now after being dismasted 895 nm south of Cape Town in 40 knot winds and 7 metre swells earlier this morning.
A PAN PAN was called at approximately 0300 (AET) / 1900 (SAST) signalling an urgent threat to her safety and this remains in place.
Climate Action Now has suffered significant damage to the mast and rigging.
Lisa intends to step the boom and install a jury rig with a small storm sail in place which will assist in her journey to Cape Town under motor.
A Hong Kong registered vessel has been requested to rendezvous with Lisa to provide fuel and other items to assist with repairs if required.
It is anticipated that Lisa's journey to Cape Town will take approximately 10 days travelling at an estimated speed of 4.5 knots. Lisa continues to experience swells of approximately seven (7) metres. Once there she will complete a full evaluation of the damage to the yacht and determine what repairs can be made.
Lisa remains well and uninjured.
The incident occurred whilst Lisa Blair was on her 72nd day at sea attempting to be the first woman to circumnavigate Antarctica solo and unassisted.