Venture crew approach Cape Horn

The vessel left Wellington on November 22 and is expected to round Cape Horn and arrive in Ushuaia in Terra Del Fuego by December 20. From there it will sailing onto the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia as part of its circumnavigation.

Skipper David Pryce estimates an arrival in Ushuaia of December 20,, in time to listen to the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, via internet radio.

Pushed on by the weather systems 'National Investment Institute' has been averaging 180 miles over the last week and yesterday reached the 'Furious Fifties', crossing the 50-degree latitude, as they cut across the globe from New Zealand to Cape Horn.

Over the last few days on the back of the high pressure system, the Club Venture crew has experienced 'Champagne Sailing', with a beautiful 20kts breeze coming over the rear quarter, great sunsets, clear nights and a full moon. Unfortunately, it hasn't all been 'champagne'. The starter motor on the auxiliary, which broke down on the first leg, has decided that things are all too hard and gone on strike! This leaves the boat without its main source of recharging power.

The yacht still has two other sources of power to re-charge batteries; solar panels and a wind generator. The wind generator is the now the primary source of power. In a heavy weather during a south ocean crossing the wind generator must be packed away as it can suffer wave damage, however conditions have been moderate and the whirling blades have been steadily producing power. It is expected that over the next few days the building breeze will be re- topping the big battery banks on National Investment Institute and water making will begin again in earnest.

The major sponsors of this Australian round the world circumnavigation below the Southern Capes, is National Investment Institute. It provides Business and Investment courses, which upon completion, can lead to credit towards Australian Qualifications framework courses. For more information http://www.nii.com.au