A 68-year-old lone sailor, who was on his way towards the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, was forced to make his way to Bermuda after experiencing engine trouble this week.

Last week Mr. Peter Reed, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, began what he expected to be a 240-day trip to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and several other countries aboard his yacht El Abuelo .

However, his troubles began when his radio went out.

The avid sailor, father of four and grandfather to one, was a few days away from the Island when he discovered the problem.

"I decided to come to Bermuda to get it repaired and on my way here the engine started giving me problems. It was a blessing that the radio went out first,'' Mr. Reed said.

He added that once he got outside St. George's harbour his engine totally cut out and some men helped to pull him in.

"A new radio should be arriving and a mechanic came to look at the engine and spotted the simple problem very quickly.'' The retired mining analyst added: "I am hoping to continue my trip in a few days. I have been looking forward to this for 60 years so I might as well keep going.'' Before returning to Massachusetts at the end of May next year, Mr.

Reed said he wants to stop in Bermuda so his trip will have come full circle.