Cape Town - A solo sailor is undertaking essential repairs on his boat in Simon’s Town before he continues his circumnavigation of the globe.
Greg Were, 33, has set sail aboard his 20-foot yacht, Hummingbird, facing challenges and triumphs as he sails from Cornwall in the UK to Cape Town, starting his voyage in Falmouth before sailing around Africa, across the Indian and Pacific oceans, and around South America.
“The boat and I are whole overall,” he reports, though not without sacrifices.
Were has lost two layers of skin on his hands, and everything on board is continuously covered in salt.
Yet, he finds solace in the days when the skies are blue and the sun shines brightly, offering brief but cherished moments of respite.
Were previously sailed from South Africa to the Netherlands, and he said that despite the numerous challenges, he remains undeterred.
Speaking on Were’s behalf, Janine Jess said: “Were’s journey has been a testament to his resilience. He has faced more lows than highs, but his determination to push on remains unwavering.”
Jess said Were arrived in Cape Town on Saturday and is anchoring outside of Simon’s Town for a few days to undertake essential repairs on his boat.
“These repairs include climbing up the mast to check on some halyards, securing shackles that have lost their mousing, and opening and drying everything on board.
“Additionally, Greg will be repairing his wind pilot and putting on a wetsuit to scrape the underside of the boat. Greg’s solo circumnavigation is not only a test of endurance but also a demonstration of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.
“His journey continues to inspire many, proving that with determination and resilience, one can navigate through the toughest of challenges,” Jess said.
In an Instagram post, Ullman Sails wrote: “Gregory Were and Hummingbird safely made it to False Bay, South Africa, to catch up on some sleep and fix any breakages she endured.
After a couple of days, we’ll see Gregory and Hummingbird safely on their way for the rest of their circumnavigation.
“Due to the circumstances, Gregory is only allowed to talk to people from afar, on other boats. Gregory has anchored, not entered a port; therefore, he is still solo, unassisted, and non-stop.”
In addition to his daring voyage, a documentary film is in the works to capture Were’s incredible journey.
“The co-production between Scenery (“Human Playground”) and Hess Entertainment will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Tomas Kaan.
“The documentary promises to showcase the highs and lows of Were’s solo expedition as he films himself throughout the entire adventure. The documentary’s release date is contingent upon production timelines; the planned release is Q1 2026,” Jess said.
sibuliso.duba@inl.co.za