The Little Aussie Lap - Forced halt after damage
by Peta-Jayne Habner 7 Jun 2023 14:37 NZST
31 May 2023
Gold Coast sailor Xavier Doerr commences a “Little Aussie Lap” © The Little Aussie Lap
22 year old Gold Coaster Xavier Doerr’s 21 foot racing yacht has encountered a severe weather system off the West Australian coastline, with the lone yachtsman now limping into Fremantle after enduring challenging conditions. The Fremantle Sailing Club has been tremendous so far with their assistance.
The vessel has been knocked on its side on multiple occasions, suffering significant damage.
In constant contact with his shore team, Xavier has taken a sharp left towards the coastline and will make his way to Freemantle Sailing Club where there will be an assessment of the boat to ascertain the repairs needed in order to safely continue.
Gold Coast based youth sailor Xavier Doerr is taking on one of the most challenging solo sailing campaigns, a non-stop, unassisted, solo circumnavigation of Australia in GCCM his 21-foot Mini Transat Carbon Fibre Race Yacht called GCCM: Gold Coast City Marina.
While disappointed this set back means he will no longer be able to claim a non-stop unassisted and fastest record, if his yacht is able to be repaired and he can safely continue, he will be the youngest solo sailor to circumnavigate Australian in the smallest boat.
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