Robin Knox-Johnston is now President of the International Cape Horn Association. Frenchman Jean-Luc Van den Heede, 78, is his new Vice President. The appointment of the two sailing legends as the new "Afterguard" of the International Cape Horn Sailing Association (IACH) was announced by Chairman Ashley Manton at the beginning of the week following the association's annual meeting in Portsmouth (UK) and said: "Sir Robin and Jean-Luc are two of the biggest names in ocean sailing. Their reputations and standing within the sport reflect the aims of our international association, which celebrates and promotes all those who complete a Cape Horn passage under sail and fulfil the IACH eligibility criteria."
Ashley Manton continued: "Sir Robin has played an active and encouraging role during his long time with the Association. Together with Jean-Luc, he has greatly assisted the committee in creating a unique modern register of all those who have sailed around the three great capes - Good Hope, Leeuwin and Cape Horn - and in establishing the IACH Cape Horn Hall of Fame. We are delighted to have their expertise and support in encouraging sailors from all backgrounds to take on the challenge of the Cape Horn Passage, which has been described by sailors around the world as the 'Everest of sailing'."
Orca attack out of nowhere
Before the two prominent sea sailors Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Jean-Luc Van den Heede took over the Hoorn rudder, Sir Robin had a rather uninvited experience on the morning of 24 November. Off the Spanish coast of Cape Finisterre (42 53.6N, 009 30.3W), his Farr 56 "Sanjula" was circled by seven to ten orcas. The group pushed towards the rudder until one of the steering rods broke.
The engine was switched off and emergency steering was set up. Ten minutes later, the orcas moved on, as they obviously no longer found the yacht lying calmly on the water interesting. However, this was only an assumption. The boat sailed to Vigo for repairs. 83-year-old Knox-Johnston told Scuttlebutt magazine: "Nobody can explain this sudden wave of attacks. Three to four weeks ago a yacht was rammed and sunk. And who wants to sit in a life raft when there are big aggressive orcas around."
Nominations for induction into the Cape Horn Hall of Fame possible for 2023
Following the successful induction of 28 historic and pioneering Cape Horn performers into the first IACH Cape Horn Hall of Fame, which took place in Les Sables-d'Olonne in September 2022, the nomination phase is open for the selection of six more members for 2023. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Jean-Luc Van den Heede will lead the high-calibre panel of experts who will be looking for people whose achievements in sailing or racing around Cape Horn have inspired others.
The jury also includes Stan Honey, America's most famous ocean navigator, and Dee Caffari, who has already completed six circumnavigations. In addition, Dilip Donde is the first Indian to sail around the world single-handedly. He is now leading other Indian sailors to follow his example. It also includes Ashley Manton, the chairman of the International Association of Cape Horners. He sailed round Cape Horn during the 1977/78 Whitbread Round the World Race. The jury will consist of the public nominations (click here for the link!) draw up a shortlist. The IACH members will vote on the top six.
Later this year, the association and the town of Les Sables-d'Olonne, which is now home to the Cape Horn Hall of Fame, will hold a ceremony during which the new members will be inducted into the Hall of Honour. The aim is to honour and maintain the enduring link between the French ocean sailing cradle and Cape Horn.
