MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Yacht damaged in high seas heading for the Falklands

A Canadian trying to sail non-stop around the world against the wind is heading for the Falkland Islands after been injured and his 12-metre sailboat damaged in a roll-over in the South Atlantic.

Glen Wakefield left Victoria, B.C., in late September attempting to circumnavigate the globe by sailing into the prevailing winds in the southern hemisphere, often referred to as sailing backwards. In a ham radio call Thursday Wakefield said the boat –called the Kim Chow-- rolled in foul weather and heavy seas a little more than 500 kilometers east of the Falkland Islands and he had suffered a concussion. The boat has lost its life-raft, both solar panels and one hatch, but the mast remains intact. In the call, Wakefield said despite the blow to his head he was fine and had repaired the hatch, adding the vessel remained watertight. He is now heading for Stanley where he expects to make repairs. His website says he has been in communication with the British Royal Navy in the Falklands, which has offered assistance, as has the Argentina navy. The career carpenter was on his 215th day at sea when the accident happened.