Ireland’s solo sailor Pat Lawless has retired from the Golden Globe round the world race.
This follows the problems with his self-steering Aries system which developed on his Saga 36 Green Rebel on Sunday night.
He confirmed a bearing problem and told GGR race officials that he could not repair it at sea.
He has said he didn't think his race would end due to such a problem developing. He had put a lot of trust in the Aries system, he told me in an interview for Afloat before he started the race.
Since September 4 when the GGR fleet left France, he has been consistently in the top three.
Tonight the GGR officials confirmed his retiral.
GGR Race Committee said tonight: "Pat showed tremendous courage and seamanship in the Atlantic, always sailing in the front of the fleet while addressing various injuries at sea.
"He has faced both the barnacle invasion and a wind vane issue. He solved the first one at the first opportunity but does not have the spares for his Aries wind vane broken bearing."
He is due in Cape Town tonight. The Race Committee says he will be directed into the marina and to Customs.
More information is expected later and an interview with him. He is said to be frustrated and deeply disappointed.
Update at 0130 Irish Time:
Pat Lawless Comments on Arrival into Cape Town
Pat Lawless arrived safely into Cape Town and berthed Green Rebel.
At the marina, he said he was very disappointed and particularly for all his sponsors and supporters who had done so much for him. He outlined how difficult and challenging it had been to continue sailing after the Aries self-steering system failed. It appears that a bearing caused the failure. He said his wife will travel to South Africa. He was interviewed on the GGR Race Channel on YouTube (below) after arrival and confirmed his retiral decision because of the self-steering failure. His entire ambition and aim had been to sail non-stop around the world, he said. When that was no longer possible, there was no point in continuing. He will be making arrangements for repair and said it is his intention to sail Green Rebel back to Ireland.