On-route to Panama

Introduction

12.12.08 - Anne reflects on the last few days.

© Anne Quemere

The Doldrums did not let me pass and this is not due to a lack of trying.. Numerous times I compared myself to Don Quichotte who fought the wind like me, gaining a few miles during the day to see them reversed at night..

If this wasn't enough, the solar panels gave up the ghost two days before, depriving me of all electricity on board. Essentially, I waited 48 hours before taking the final decision, considering every hour compromised the challenge further and further..

I got in touch with the Operations Quarter Master on board the Cap Gris Nez who, with the assistance of the Honolulu surveillance team found a cargo ship en route to Panama and whose Captain accepted to come to my rescue. I'll never thank them enough for their efficiency and their reaction time but also their kindness in these very difficult moments.

Deprived of all electronic equipment this complicated the rescue. At 1 o'clock in the morning (France Time) the Maersk MYTILINI arrived on site and the pick-up was made without any difficulty, the captain of the 300 metre vessel handled this monster like I did my little Oceankite. The crew members were excellent and after 35 days of loneliness on the Pacific Ocean I suddenly was surrounded by 26 sailors who really didn't know what to do to please me. What a change!

Tonight, I'm in the wheelhouse, overlooking the sea and I still feel emotional, having trouble to accept this defeat. I won't see the Polynesian Islands slowly rising out of the Ocean as I had so often imagined. I won't savour the taste of victory but already, I know that this experience and its 2000 miles since San Francisco brought me new wisdom and fabulous images which I will never forget.

This first on such a route proved that considerable research is needed in the manoeuvring of kites before they can be used regularly on naval routes. We won't see them flourish tomorrow on cargo ships or fishing boats because their use is too uncertain, especially in the calmer parts of the oceans such as the Doldrums. We're now heading to Panama, an unplanned destination, but isn't this adventure!

Thanks for all your support.

Anne

For further information on Anne Quemere and her Ocean Kite Surfing attempt, please go to www.anne-quemere.com.