Around-the-world sailor suffers minor head injury

An amateur sailor says his solo, around-the-world challenge is going well despite suffering a deep gash to his head as he rounded the southern tip of Africa.

Dafydd Hughes, 63, from Tal-y-Bont near Aberystwyth is currently in the Indian Ocean and nearly halfway through the Global Solo Challenge.

He left northern Spain at the end of August and is aiming to complete the race in March.

He has already overcome gale force winds and treated himself for the cut to his forehead after he was struck from behind by part of the boat which controls the mainsail.

Dafydd recalled: "I reached for the button on the autopilot to add 10 degrees to the tack, as I did, the mainsheet hit me, unbalancing me and I went headfirst into the winch on the coach house roof.

"At first I didn’t think much of it and carried on finishing up on deck, even putting my head torch back on my forehead."

But later he saw the deep cut and used the camera on the boat’s computer to inspect the wound and treat it.

As part of the race regulations, all skippers have to take first aid courses, practising stitching a wound but he was able to use a "steri-strip instead".

"I think I did a pretty good job and now I'll have a permanent reminder of rounding Cape of Good Hope on my forehead," he said.

Of the 18 sailors taking part in the Global Solo Challenge, Dafydd is the only one from the UK.

If he completes the challenge, he says he'll become the first amateur sailor from Wales to circumnavigate the globe on his own.

He’s already sailed around the world in a crew - a clipper that took part in a race founded by legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Dafydd’s 10m (33ft) boat is called ‘Bendigedig’ which is Welsh for fantastic, fabulous or blessed.

He prepared it for the challenge himself as it had spent 20 years on dry land in a friend's workshop.

Dafydd said despite some tough days he’s pleased with how the race has been going as he heads towards Australia.

"It's a true journey, a process of getting to know Bendigedig and yourself," he said.

The race is based on a staggered start with 14 yachts at sea and four still to start.

Race rules mean that Dafydd can't stop at any ports so he’s carrying all the food he needs.

And he's mostly eating muesli, noodles and flapjacks prepared by his aunties before he left Wales.

Bendigedig has an autopilot which means he can get some sleep.

During downtime he likes to read, listen to music and play Sudoku.

He can contact friends and family back home via email and make an occasional call by satellite phone.

He said he's happy in his own company but doesn't have time to get bored.

"There is plenty to do to keep Bendigedig and myself going," he said.

Sailing aside, he has to find time to "study the weather and decide on the best route, charge the batteries, make water, answer emails, write blogs, feed myself and there is always a list of small maintenance jobs".

Dafydd is hoping to add his name to the shortlist of about 200 sailors who have sailed solo, non-stop around the world.

His partner Joanna, who works in A&E in Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, is sure he'll do it.

"There's no point in sitting every moment of every day worrying so I have to get on with other things," she said.

"But it’s the first thing I think of when I open my eyes in the morning.

"I go straight on the phone and just check where he is, and if he's kind of where he's supposed to be.

"When I'm busy at work, I don't have time to think about it but every break I'm straight back on the phone just checking.

"Last thing I think before I go to sleep at night, it"s the same again."

She added: "He's living his dream - it's something he has to do. And he'll do it. Definitely."