A TRIP AROUND THE HORN

The Horn is a precarious place to be when one is travelling single handed. To arrive at ones destination solo, takes a determined adventurer, such are the perils of this treacherous route.

With a hand to the helm, one must navigate maps that one has hurriedly drawn up in the event of emergencies, such as when the crew is lost, or down with scurvy, and attempt to jump from spot A to G in as short a time as possible without encountering the inevitable pitfalls. Full steam ahead is not the wisest of choices to make under these circumstances, as it is highly likely you will end up back at A without careful orienteering, and encounter much frustration.

Plan your route carefully - still waters run deep, and it is therefore wise to be prepared for all eventualities. One must not only be adept at navigational skills to conquer The Horn. One must be ready to encounter a variety of conditions, for example, it may be too wet, or too dry to forge ahead regardless. In wet conditions it is advisable to swab the decks regularly, as if ones foremast or ones scupper becomes too slippery, one could be prone to a nasty accident. Dry conditions are worse. Cracked and dehydrated fingers can become rough and calloused, and no good whatsoever when attempting to maneouver either a longboat or a frigate.

There is no requirement to use a sou'wester in wet conditions. These can become heavy and cumbersome and waterlogged very quickly. Ease of movement is the key.
Providing one remains sensible and coherent, ones trip around The Horn should be pleasurable and trouble free. It is always wise to begin with a full accompaniment of fuel, as you could lose the odd dribble on the way, however this is not always possible. Rest assured, when one eventually reaches spot G, it will be plain sailing from thereon in.
Bon Voyage!