Just over a week after he left Hobart on his solo round the world record attempt it looks as though 68-year old Tony might be headed for New Zealand. Although Bullimore, who earlier reported loss of a staysail and other rigging problems, has not issued a statement his tracker clearly shows that the 102 foot Doha 2006 is headed north west towards North Island, some 700 miles away and making (for this boat) a very modest 6 knots in 10 knots beam winds.

Earlier this week he announced he was heading north to get out of the way of another major weather system. If he is aiming to pull out let’s hope it’s going to be without the need to call for assistance.