Racing begins for Class Globe 5.80

Lagos, Portugal (November 1, 2021) – A fleet of six Class Globe 5.80 home-built plywood Minis are making history with the first ever single-handed Globe 5.80 Transat Race setting off today on the first stage of 600 miles, followed by the 3000 mile second stage to Antigua.

Only four of the six 19-footers made the start on time as Race Founder Don McIntyre’s TREKKA is now due to start on November 3 as his final preparation was interrupted running the event. Also, Irishman Jim Schofield arrived at 4am on start day after a 16 hour drive off the UK Ferry with ‘Molly Claire” in tow. He has only just finished building the boat and now launch and rig the yacht, set up safety gear, and fresh food. He may not set off till November 6.

The six yachts will regroup in Lanzarote before setting off on the main race across the Atlantic on November 18.

As a steady NW breeze powered 10 to 14 knots, the grey clouds disappeared sending skippers and spectator boats into the starting sequence of this 600 nm qualifier under a gorgeous sun and the dramatic backdrop of the Ponta de Piedade cliffs off Lagos.

All promises of a conservative start disappeared in the last minute with skippers setting their spinnakers. Etienne Messikommer and Peter Kenyon crossed the line first under A5 with Michal Krysta in third but gaining ground under full sail and the big A3. Severin Hummer is closing the line under A5 at the rear.

Fierce and friendly battle immediately ensued with Michal taking advantage of the extra power to overtake Peter and fighting with Etienne for the lead, until being overpowered once in the open sea, having to bear away before dropping the big A3 and losing the lead.

The four boats are currently heading South in a tight knit group with Numbatou (Etienne Messikommer) leading, followed by Origami (Peter Kenyon) in second, Menawan (Mishal Krysta) in third, and Shrimp (Severin Hummer) in fourth. Forecast for the next four days predicts consistent following trades with 2-3mtr seas.

The Globe 5.80 Transat will be held every two years. In the next 12 months up to 45 new yachts should be launched with 165 builders in 27 countries. The ultimate goal of many builders is to enter the 2024 Mini Globe Race with 14 of the available 30 entries already signed up.

Race details – Tracker – Twitter

The Class Globe 5.80 One Design Ocean Racing yacht provides an affordable solo 19-foot ocean and offshore racing yacht for amateur construction and competition. Since the release of plans in early 2020, the plywood-build class has attracted strong interest with 165 builders in 27 countries. The first six launched from five countries are participating in the 2021 Globe 5.80 Transat.