Francis Tolan, sailing solo on Alizes II, tied up at Careys Bay, in Otago Harbour, yesterday afternoon.
He was still negotiating customs formalities late yesterday, but Otago Yacht Club manager Barry Gibbs said he was expecting to sail up the harbour and stay at the OYC today.
Mr Tolan had already blown out three Genoa sails and had engine problems before making it to Dunedin.
And his yacht was further damaged after striking rocks before entering Otago Harbour, Mr Gibbs added yesterday.
Mr Tolan was one of 25 participants in the inaugural La Longue Route voyage, which was organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bernard Moitessier beginning the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, the first solo, non-stop, round-the-world yacht race.
Mr Moitessier was on track to take the fastest time and prize money when he opted not to return to the start line in England and the adulation of the crowds, and instead sailing on to Tahiti.
Mr Tolan’s arrival yesterday follows that of fellow French sailor Fanch Guillon, who is also participating in the event, late last month.
Mr Tolan said upon his arrival he had sailed north to Dunedin to catch up with his friend, Mr GuillonOnly about a dozen boats remained on the voyage after half the fleet retired.
