On Sunday morning, around 3.30AM (French time), Bernard Stamm informed his shore crew he had hit an unidentified floating object, which ripped off his port side hydrogenerator. Is second hydrogenerator seems to be out of order too and it is apparently impossible to recharge.
Because of previous energy-related issues, there is not enough fuel stocked on board.
Bernard therefore explained his team he was shutting down all energy-consuming devices to save the little energy he had left for the autopilot. Since then, the Cheminées Poujoulat Sailing Team has not heard from the yacht.
He was 1060 miles away from Cape Horn at 7.30AM (French time).
We are currently studying all available solutions, like finding a sheltered area where Bernard could consider getting fuel as the yacht safety is jeopardized.
Possible shelters seem to be located after the Cape Horn rounding. Weather conditions are tough with changing winds, rough sea and cold temperatures. Ice has also been detected in the area.
Here is what Bernard Stamm needs energy on board for:
- The autopilot, a capital tool when sailing solo
- Water maker (The team has no idea how much water he has left)
- Reception of weather files (the current conditions are difficult) and ice data (ice has been detected in the area)
- The central navigation computer showing wind direction and speed, boat data (speed, heading, position) and maps
- Position lights
- The AIS showing marine traffic
- The radar
- Moving the keel
- The VHF
- Communication with dry land
- The mini-lab
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