Sailing Record, Orca Sighting, and an ‘Epic Night’: Wild First Leg for the Strong OTTO WULFF Duo Burke/Fink

A 24-hour record, third place overall, and a dangerous night that Lennart Burke and Melwin Fink will never forget: The two sailors bravely completed the first wild leg of the Globe40 and are ready to push hard on the second, longest stage.

Battered by 38-knot winds, soaked by towering waves, and with the land of the Canary Islands alarmingly close, Lennart Burke and Melwin Fink faced a tough decision. In pitch-black night, should they fight to save the partially washed-overboard Spinnaker A4 or abandon this crucial special sail?

Reason prevailed for the young sailors, who were leading the first leg from Cadiz to Mindelo (Cape Verde) with their “Next Generation Boating Around the World” boat at the time.

“Cutting a new sail was an intense experience”

“Cutting a new sail like that was intense, but there was no other option. It had wrapped almost completely around the boat,” said Lennart Burke. “It was far too dangerous, so it was the smartest decision.”

Sailing partner Melwin Fink swallowed “probably ten liters of water” during the night-and-fog operation and was shaken: “It was tough and really took a lot out of us. A severe setback.”

Record! 370 Nautical Miles in 24 Hours

Taking on challenges, working as a team, and pushing forward: The first wild leg of the Globe40 had it all for the Hamburg duo, who also celebrated a 24-hour record. Burke/Fink sailed 370 nautical miles, beating the previous Globe40 record held by the Canadian crew Whiskey Jack by a full 23 nautical miles.

Orca Visit and Full Stop Due to Fishing Net

“Steer, sleep, steer—it was exhausting and intense,” said Melwin Fink about the harsh conditions on the first leg from Cádiz to Mindelo. A surprise orca encounter, which fortunately ended safely, and an unplanned full stop due to a kilometer-long fishing net added to the excitement.

In the end, the aspiring world sailors overcame all obstacles and finished third after placing second in the prologue, behind the French team Ian Lipinski/Antoine Carpentier (Crédit Mutuel) and the Belgian team Jonas Gerckens/Djimilla Tassin (Belgium Ocean Racing – Curium). “We’re a bit disappointed, but it was an amazing race,” said Fink. With the A4 spinnaker still on board, the final result might have been different.

OTTO WULFF & Co. Support After Sail Loss

The duo is especially grateful for the major support effort that was mobilized immediately after losing the sail. OTTO WULFF, other sponsors, and supporters like Melwin Fink’s home club, Schaumburg-Lippischer Seglerverein, contributed to buying a new spinnaker and hopefully getting it to Cape Verde in time.

“This wave of support has deeply moved us and motivates us to continue even stronger,” said Burke and Fink. “Thank you for standing by us even in tough moments.”

Second and Longest Leg Starts on October 2

The Globe40 race around the world still has plenty in store for the OTTO WULFF duo. The second and longest leg starts on October 2 in Mindelo and takes the fleet 7,050 nautical miles to La Réunion in the Indian Ocean.

Burke and Fink will spend around 31 days at sea, cross the equator for the first time in their young offshore sailing careers, and round the Cape of Good Hope.

Competition Should “Watch Out”

“We’re going for it again and are determined to give our all,” said Burke. The German duo plans to chase the overall-leading French team and the second-placed Belgians. “They better watch out,” said Fink, who is undaunted after this first leg.