Irishman forced to pull out of solo sailing race…

Irishman forced to pull out of solo sailing race around the world labelled 'heroic'

Solo sailor Pat Lawless’ efforts in the round-the-world Golden Globe Yacht Race have been described as ‘heroic’ and ‘incredible.’

Originally from Limerick, Pat, who now lives in Kerry, was forced to retire from the prestigious race because of a steering malfunction.

He spent two days trying to fix the damaged equipment and sailed to Cape Town, South Africa, on Wednesday night where he confirmed his decision to withdraw from the race.

He had already notched up almost 8,000 nautical miles and was in third and fourth position before he was forced to pull from the race.

The 66-year-old carpenter was hoping to become the first Irish person to complete the legendary non-stop 33,000 nautical miles voyage in his ‘Green Rebel’ boat.

Proprietor of Kennedy’s Bar in Dingle, Michael Murphy, who knows Pat well, said they are all very proud of his efforts.

“Pat made furniture for our bar and we have a weather station which he also made hanging on our wall,” said Michael.

The wooden weather station is engraved with ‘Kennedy’s Bar supports Pat Lawlor GGR22.’

“Pat was competing with the best in the business and for the majority of the race he was in third and fourth position which speaks a lot. It was Pat’s first time competing in the race and it is unfortunate he had to pull out of it. His efforts were heroic and we are all proud of him. He gave it his best shot.”

Limerick Councillor Daniel Butler, who was Mayor at the time Pat set sail from Limerick Port over two months ago, described Pat as “an amazingly brave man.”

“Before he set sail from Limerick Port locals all arrived down to wish him the best and he let us all sign his sail. So he was carrying all of us in a small way.

“Unfortunately the nature of the race is that you also need luck," said Cllr Butler.

"But the journey Pat made is incredible too. He’s very involved in sailing here and promoting sailing and no doubt we will raise a few glasses of rum for him as all sailors like rum!.”

The prestigious race is regarded as the toughest and loneliest race in sailing.

Competitors can only use 1968 navigation technology in keeping with the spirit of the first Golden Globe Race that year.

Participants are not allowed to set foot on land and communication with family and friends is also prohibited.

One sailor’s journey in the race was made into a movie ‘Deep Water’ where sailor Donald Crowhurst was faced with an impossible dilemma - to continue into the open ocean on his 1968 solo round-the-world race with a leaking boat or return home defeated and bankrupt.

“The journey itself, it was the sail of a lifetime,” Pat told RTE News. “I did enjoy it. The only time was during the thunder and lightning in the doldrums. It was a serious storm, right on top of me.

“One of the worst things about not finishing is I feel bad for all my sponsors and supporters.”