Solo sailor on voyage to raise vital funds

A Queensland sailing enthusiast left Broome last month to revive an ambitious attempt to sail solo around Australia and raise money for the Cancer Council.

Last September, cancer survivor Len Surtees set off on a solo voyage from his hometown, Tin Can Bay, to set two world records: to become the oldest man to sail non-stop around Australia, unassisted, in the smallest vessel.

However, the 63-year-old was forced to make a pit stop in Broome in November after damaging the autopilot of his 9m folding catamaran.

Just days after setting off from Broome’s shores, Mr Surtees returned, having abandoned his voyage due to dangerous weather conditions.

“Basically I’d left three months too late in the sailing season when I left Queensland, so by the time I got here the southerly winds I encountered were too strong for a smallish boat and the wrong time of the year to be there,” he said.

“So on good advice, it was suggested I go back to Broome, secure the boat for the cyclone season and come back when the sailing season was more favourable.”

In the meantime, Mr Surtees stored his vessel for five months at Broome Port. He arrived in Broome on April 3 and spent time modifying his catamaran before departing on April 15.

After battling turbulent weather conditions and hiccups with his boat, Mr Surtees said he was focused on the journey ahead.

“The next port of call, the next piece of land I wish to see is Tin Can Bay — my home port, I don’t want to see land for the next 40 days.”

Mr Surtees thanked members of the Broome community for their tremendous support and encouraged more people to support him through donations to the Cancer Council.

For more information or to make a donation, visit icanforcancer.org.au.