Christchurch yachstman abandons around the world trip

A Christchurch yachtsman, who was attempting to sail solo around the world for charity, has had to abandon his attempt after icebergs blocked his way.

Graeme Kendall, 58, is currently in Baffin Bay close to Lancaster Sound, the entrance to the Arctic Northwest Passage.

He was told by the Canadian coastguard yesterday that it would be too dangerous to continue as the Passage is currently blocked.

Even if it were to open up, there is a high probability the sea will freeze over again, blocking any escape route, the coastguard said.

"The conditions are now too dangerous and I can't go against Mother Nature and commonsense, it would be foolish to proceed at this stage," Mr Kendall said, from on board his boat Astral Express.

He said he now planned to sail away from the icebergs to Nuuk -- the capital of Greenland.

During his journey, he has been hit by wind speeds "off the gauge" and towering seas driven by Tropical Storm Harvey.

Mr Kendall, who is sailing for children's charity Variety, was then struck by an enormous rogue wave while heading west towards the coast of Canada.

"I was in the cabin, and had just made a cup of coffee. I looked out the porthole and there was a wall of water right in front me," he said.

The boat was flattened. But just as it was about to roll, it suddenly righted.

"All I was left with was a cabin coated in coffee. It was a timely reminder that things can change very quickly out here and you have to be on guard at all times."

Mr Kendall, a sailing mate of the late Sir Peter Blake, has covered over 18,000 nautical miles since he left Auckland on April 26.

His journey can be monitored on www.astralexpress.com.

- NZPA