TRANSATLANTIC yachtsman John Falla was this morning homing in on the finish line of the 2,900-mile race he has sailed single-handed.
At 5.01am Guernsey time he was just 14 miles from the Ostar finish line at Newport, Rhode Island.
It was then 24 days and 16 hours since the 47-year-old corporate financier set off from Plymouth in his 36ft yacht Banjaard, for the world’s oldest solo ocean challenge.
Alone at sea for nearly a month he has had to take on prevailing winds, and currents and fog.
Mr Falla said in an audio recording made early yesterday morning, that he was very much looking forward to finishing.
‘I’ve had very little sleep over the last 24 hours due to fishing boats and the wind constantly changing.
‘I’m looking forward to seeing my family and when I get to Newport I will be giving them a big hug because I’ve missed them so much,’ he said.
He added that on arrival he would enjoy a sleep and a beer.
Royal Channel Island Yacht Club commodore John Frankland said Mr Falla had undertaken a remarkable task.
‘I think he has done tremendously well against prevailing winds, with the distance and on his own.
‘It takes a lot of tenacity and you have to be on the ball. It really is hard work,’ he said.
‘We are very proud of him – it is a fantastic achievement.’
With the next boat more than 200 miles behind him, Mr Falla is set to finish in 19th place and fifth in class.
Six of the 31 starters have retired.
Article posted on 19th June, 2009 - 2.29pm
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