The Little Aussie Lap - Doerr In Fremantle
by Peta-Jayne Habner 8 Jun 2023 13:40 NZST
31 May 2023
Xavier Doerr is retrieved by the Fremantle Sailing Club and then returned ashore © The Little Aussie Lap
In constant contact with his shore team, and with the extraordinary assistance from the team at Fremantle Sailing Club (the rescue team was headed by Fremantle Harbour office staff Jason & Sam along with Brian & Brant), a very exhausted Xavier made it to dock just after 1am local Perth time.
He was met by his mum Caitlyn Gardner and a burger from Über Eats!
There will now be an assessment of the boat to ascertain the repairs needed in order to safely continue.
22 Year old Gold Coaster Xavier Doerr’s 21 foot racing yacht encountered a severe weather system off the West Australian coastline, with the lone yachtsman enduring challenging conditions. The vessel has been knocked on its side on multiple occasions, suffering significant damage.
Gold Coast based youth sailor Xavier Doerr was 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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