Maine-Built Boat Heads for Solo Circumnavigation Attempt

The 63′ ocean racing yacht Kiwi Spirit, designed by Bruce Farr and built by Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding Co., departed from Thomaston on Sept. 30 under the command of just one man, New Zealander Stanley Paris. Kiwi Spirit is a lot of boat for singlehandling, but Paris has equipped the boat specifically to help him set several records:
• Oldest person to circumnavigate solo, unassisted, and nonstop
• First to complete an entirely green circumnavigation – no propane, no diesel, no fossil fuels
• Break the 150-day circumnavigation record from Bermuda
• Establish a new circumnavigation record from St. Augustine, Florida, via Bermuda

Since Kiwi Spirit was launched November 2012, Paris has won line honors during the 2013 Bermuda One-Two and competed in the 363-mile Marblehead to Halifax Classic. The yacht has recently been at Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding Co. to prepare for the circumnavigation, having her insides cleaned out, resulting in more space to handle sails and gear and, just as importantly, reducing her weight by several hundred pounds. Beds, toilets, pots and pans, clothing, drawers and doors have gone into storage. The mast and rigging have been removed and inspected for wear and tear.

On Thanksgiving weekend, Paris will leave St. Augustine, Florida on Saturday, November 30, on the high tide at 4 p.m. Once he stows his fenders and docklines Paris will not take them out again until he returns to St. Augustine, having circled the globe via the five capes. He aims to complete his journey in 130 days or less.

To follow Kiwi Spirit on her quest around the globe, click here.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csj5X2dGnw8