Text: Margherita Pelaschier
Image: @GlobalSoloChallenge
Dafydd Hughes, the only Welsh skipper participating in the Global Solo Challenge, is preparing to embark on his voyage aboard Bendigedig, a Sparkman and Stephens 34 (S&S 34) — a boat that has become a widely recognised symbol of solo adventures. Dafydd’s contagious smile has earned him a substantial community of followers that roots for him and his mission. Living by his motto “Dream, commit, conquer!” his dedication shines through, especially in his decision to breathe life back into his boat, which had lain untouched in a barn for a decade.
“For me, embarking on a round-the-world circumnavigation is more about the journey than the destination. While completing the entire voyage would undoubtedly be a remarkable bonus, even if I make it only halfway or three-quarters through, it remains an incredible adventure. Simply getting to the starting line poses its own set of challenges and is an integral part of the adventure.”
Upon hearing the announcement of the GSC launch, Dafydd didn’t hesitate to pursue this dream, but he knew he had to find the perfect boat to achieve it. “It feels as though the boat chose me. With my budget in mind, I naturally gravitated towards a 34–35-footer, and then one day, a friend called me, saying he had found the perfect boat for me.”
Dafydd went on to purchase a 1971 Sparkman and Stephens 34, built by the Aquafibre shipyard, which he christened Bendigedig. “My Bendigedig is incredibly seaworthy and excels when sailing upwind. While its hull is tapered, causing a slight rock, she’s remarkably solid. When you drop a tool, like a spanner, it sounds muted, almost like it’s hitting solid concrete. She’s primed for a new voyage, and I gave her a second lease on life.”
The S&S 34 is a remarkable testament to nautical design and versatility, establishing a profound mark in the sailing community. This cruiser/racer fibreglass monohull, born from a design by the venerable Olin Stephens of Sparkman and Stephens, was originally commissioned by the British yachtsman Michael Winfield. Derived directly from the prototype of a 36′ wooden one-tonner named Morningcloud by Winfield, this design quickly matured into what we now recognize as the S&S 34. Established as a new class in 1968, it saw immediate success on the racing scene. Two mould sets were developed for its construction. The initial set found its way to UK boat builder Winfield & Partners/Acquafibre, while the latter travelled to Australia, ending up with the esteemed Perth boatbuilder Swarbrick and Swarbrick. Since its inception, about 200 boats have graced waters globally. Its reputation was further solidified when Sir Edward Heath became the owner of the first production S&S 34, christened Morning Cloud. This vessel didn’t just win admiration, it conquered the 1969 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and clinched a class win in the Fastnet Race off Cowes. The S&S 34 models continued to dominate the Sydney-Hobart race from 1969 to 1974 and attained various other noteworthy victories.
The boat presents itself with a fin keel and skeg hung rudder, which ensures stable and streamlined movement through water. Its rigging follows the design of a masthead sloop allowing for enhanced performance under various conditions. The hull is 33.50 feet in overall length, providing ample space and structural integrity. The length at the water line stands at 24.17 feet which was quite significant for the time of her design. This is a crucial measure in understanding its speed potential.
Beyond its technical features, the S&S 34 became an emblem of human spirit and endurance. It was the vessel of choice for several single-handed sailing circumnavigations. Among them are Jon Sanders, David Dicks, and Jesse Martin, with the latter setting a record at just 17 years old. Aboard the S&S 34, Lionheart, he circumnavigated the globe, non-stop and unassisted, starting from Port Melbourne, echoing the feats of David Dicks. Young Jessica Watson, at only 16 years of age, further solidified the boat’s legendary status with her own historic journey. Jamie Dunross, despite being quadriplegic, showcased an indomitable spirit, completing a circumnavigation of Australia in an S&S 34. The S&S 34 isn’t just a boat; it’s a legacy, setting and breaking records, serving as the vessel of choice for countless sailors, and proving its worth in some of the most demanding weather conditions. It truly stands as a hallmark of sailing achievement.
There’s something captivating about the name of Dafydd’s boat, Bendigedig. “In Welsh, it can mean ‘fantastic’, ‘blessed’, or even ‘beautiful’. Depending on the context, I believe one translation might resonate more than the others. This wasn’t the boat’s original name. I decided to change it; I’m not superstitious. The new name, rich in meaning, seemed to perfectly suit the vessel and the journey ahead.”
Dafydd’s boat is truly unique, as it began as a mere skeleton of its potential self. “When I first came across it, the boat was just a hull and a deck. There were no fittings, no mast, no sails – it was entirely bare. This blank canvas was, in many ways, ideal. Instead of purchasing a boat pre-equipped for the Global Solo Challenge and then having to modify it, I started from scratch. This was particularly advantageous when considering the need for a water-tight bulkhead. If I had chosen a boat in pristine condition, I would’ve had to remove some of its existing components.”
From the boat’s bow, Dafydd made several modifications, including the installation of a bowsprit which aids in setting a code zero. This bowsprit is not fixed; Dafydd has the flexibility to move it as needed. He repositioned the hatch on the foredeck for practicality and safety, ensuring deck access to the first section aft of the crashbox in between the first and second water-tight bulkheads. The new placement not only made it easier to access the bow area but also repositioned it from the coachroof to the deck.
Further enhancements included the addition of an inner forestay and a GRP hard dodger situated above the companionway. To create this hood, Dafydd first crafted a plug, then a mould, and finally the finished piece which was then firmly bonded to the boat using a special epoxy. As for the cockpit, he revamped it by removing the seats and creating a more streamlined and efficient layout.
Dafydd’s boat is equipped with a new aluminium mast from Z Spars. In terms of sails, he has a diverse selection tailored for optimal performance across different conditions. “When I began the boat’s refit, I consulted with John Highcock from Saturn Sails in Scotland to develop a sail plan. After thorough discussions, we finalised an efficient design. I have a headsail and a staysail. Moreover, at the end of the forestay on the bowsprit, I’ve rigged a code zero. For adaptability, my mainsail comes with three reefs. And to tackle a range of weather conditions, I’ve also equipped the boat with a storm trysail and a storm jib.”
For self-steering, Dafydd primarily relies on autopilots. His main autopilot system is a SIMRAD D15, which is integrated with a B&G H5000 and connects directly to the boat’s rudder shaft. As a backup, he has a secondary electric autopilot from Scanmar International in the cockpit that attaches to the tiller. Dafydd has ensured he has two of these available for redundancy. Dafydd, like many sailors, has a whimsical approach to naming his equipment. “I call my primary pilot ‘Mr. Brightside,’ a nod to the famous song by The Killers, and because he’s a ‘killer’ at navigating. I named my backup pilot ‘Mr. Chicken’ because he makes noises like a chicken.”
For managing energy on board, “I use a wind turbine. Additionally, I’ve equipped the boat with solar panels; one is fixed, while the other is portable, which I deploy when the sun’s particularly strong. The portable solar panel, Next Wind, has a considerable capacity of 200 watts. I can place it in various spots in the cockpit and adjust its orientation to maximise its efficiency. Alongside these renewable energy sources, I also rely on the inboard engine to generate electricity. In the galley, I don’t use conventional gas. Instead, I cook using a compact stove similar to the Jetboil, although my model is called Primus and it’s propane-powered.”
Dafydd handled the majority of the refit on his own, though he’s deeply grateful to friends and sponsors who supported him throughout the lengthy process, which spanned almost 14 months. “When I first got the boat, Jonathan was kind enough to offer me space to work on it, and he even let me use all his tools. He occasionally helped out too. I was fortunate to have a friend from Diverse Performance Systems, Will Best, who took care of all the electronics. The entire refit process took around 14 months, and in that period, I barely took any days off. But now, looking back, I’m genuinely pleased with how everything has turned out and I am eager for the next chapter.”
The Welsh skipper has breathed new life into Bendigedig. Understandably, their bond is incredibly strong, and he knows her very well. “My boat is more than just an object to me. It’s like a steadfast friend. As I often tell people, as long as I take care of the boat, it will take care of me. I find solace and comfort on the boat. In fact, I sleep on it every day, here in A Coruna. We’re indeed gearing up for a long journey together. What’s reassuring is that having overseen the entire refit, I’m familiar with every inch of this boat. I know the intricacies of its structure, where every cable runs, and where all components are situated. In a way, it’s akin to the bond one shares with their child; it’s a different dynamic, but there’s an undeniable deep connection.”
Dafydd has already completed a circumnavigation as watch leader in the Clipper Round the World in 2007/08 aboard the Glasgow, securing a 3rd place finish. Now, he’s gearing up to tackle the same route solo. This demands a different sleep management strategy, and he shares insights on how he managed it during his journey from Wales to Spain. “During my voyage, managing sleep was crucial. Initially, I limited myself to short 20-minute naps, setting an alarm to check on things every 20 minutes. I aimed to sleep primarily during the night and remain alert during the day. However, if fatigue hit during daylight, I allowed myself short rests. As I moved further south, away from the main traffic and coastlines, I extended my sleep intervals to 30 minutes. Luckily, I’ve honed the skill of quickly switching between wakefulness and sleep, which helped me greatly. By the time I reached A Coruña, I wasn’t too drained. Maintaining a routine is vital; naturally, the body tends to rest when it’s dark, and I tried to align with that rhythm as much as possible.”
Dafydd carefully selected provisions for his galley to keep him energised and nourished during his voyage. “While freeze-dried food was out of my budget due to its high cost, I’ve found affordable alternatives. I’ve stocked up on a variety of dried foods such as dates and nuts. For breakfast, I usually have muesli combined with dried milk, sweetened with a spoonful, or two, of honey. I’ve got a stash of noodles that I can customise with various additives like curry powder, dried eggs, and cheese powder. To enhance flavours, I’ve prepared a selection of oils such as olive oil infused with herbs, chili, and garlic. Olive oil is a great calorie booster, with about 9,000 calories per litre.
Additionally, I reached out to my community a couple of months ago via Facebook, asking if anyone would be kind enough to bake me a fruitcake. To my delight, I received five! Along with the cakes, I’ve got flapjacks, which are made from oats combined with honey, syrup, or sugar and butter. For convenience and preservation, I’ve cut the cakes into portions and vacuum-packed them using a compact machine Joanna purchased for me. This way, I ensure my food remains fresh for longer.”
Dafydd always appears smiling in photos on his social media. Will this positive outlook on life assist him on his journey? “I’ve always been an optimist, someone who tends to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. That smile you often see in my photos is genuinely a reflection of my outlook on life. For this whole adventure, I have three main objectives: firstly, to complete the course; secondly, to truly enjoy the experience; and lastly, to perhaps inspire someone else to embark on a similar journey.”
“It’s essential to find joy in the journey. There’s a risk in getting so caught up in challenges that you miss out on the beauty of the experience. So, I always remind myself to take a moment each day, whether it’s to gaze at the stars or to watch the waves, and just reflect and appreciate the journey. That’s how I manage to maintain my smile, by soaking in the wonders around me.”
Dafydd and Bendigedig, now almost ready to depart on Saturday, August 26, send a beautiful message filled with hope. “People often look at what I’m doing and say, ‘I wish I had that drive or passion.’ But I always think, if I can do it, anyone can. I’m not special; I’m just an ordinary person, trying to do an extraordinary thing. The only difference is I took the step. It’s about taking that leap. By sharing my journey, I hope others see that they too can chase their dreams, no matter how big or small.”