One month to go for Golden Globe Race

From the 32 original paid-up entries for the third edition of the Golden Globe Race, 22 had intended to be at the September 4 start in France, but in the past six weeks, six entrants have retired, or been forced out through non-Compliance of the Notice of Race.

Sixteen are now confirmed to start the solo, non-stop 2022-23 race, with two retired skippers fighting to get back into the event. At issue is how the GGR has some of the most stringent qualifications and safety regulations in the sport.

The Golden Globe Race was resurrected in 2018, attracting 18 starters with five finishers. To embrace the original race in 1968, boat designs were restricted to types of the era and sailors used only sextants, paper charts, wind up clocks, and cassette tapes for music.

“It is unfortunate that a few entrants have had to drop out right at the last minute,” said Don McIntyre, Founder and President of the GGR. “The effort to get this far is extreme, but so too is our insistence on high standards. What I would suggest though, is that we are not expecting as many dropouts sailing down to the equator as we experienced in 2018. This is a quality fleet.”

Among the retirees seeking to regain entry is New Zealand sailor Graham Dalton who is struggling to complete his 2000-mile qualifying sail in light winds making just 600 miles in the first week at sea and now running out of time.

Spanish sailor Aleix Selles had not complied with important deadlines in the Notice of Race and was retired from the event on July 27, but is now racing against time to catch up and return to the GGR. Aleix started his 2000-mile solo qualifying voyage on July 30 and is yet to fit his new mast which is still not completed.

Finally, Canadian Gaurav Shinde was racing against the clock seriously behind schedule and about to set out on his first solo Atlantic crossing in his Baba 35 when he dislocated his shoulder. While recovering he completed his Medical Care course but had no time to arrive for the start and decided to retire from this edition, preparing instead for 2026.

2022 GGR entrants to date:
1. Abhilash Tomy (43), India, Rustler 36
2. Arnaud Gaist (50), France, BARBICAN 33 MKII (long keel version)
3. Damien Guillou (39), France, Rustler 36
4. Edward Walentynowicz (68), Canada, Rustler 36
5. Elliott Smith (27), USA, Gale Force 34
6. Ertan Beskardes (60), UK, Rustler 36
7. Guy deBoer (66), USA, Tashiba 36
8. Guy Waites (54), UK, Tradewind 35
9. Ian Herbert Jones (52), UK, Tradewind 35
10. Jeremy Bagshaw (59), South Africa, OE32
11. Kirsten Neuschäfer (39), South Africa, Cape George 36
12. Mark Sinclair (63), Australia, Lello 34
13. Michael Guggenberger (44), Austria, Biscay 36
14. Pat Lawless (66), Ireland, Saga 36
15. Simon Curwen (63), UK, Biscay 36
16. Tapio Lehtinen (64), Finland, Gaia 36 Masthead sloop

Event details – Entry list – Facebook

About the 2022 Golden Globe Race
On September 4, 2022, the third edition of the Golden Globe Race will start from Les Sables d’Olonne, France. Twenty-three sailors from 13 countries will face eight months of isolation sailing 30,000 miles across five oceans solo non-stop and unassisted.

In 1968, while man was preparing to take his first steps on the moon, a mild mannered and modest young man was setting out on his own record breaking voyage of discovery. He had entered the original Golden Globe. Nine men started that first solo non-stop sailing race around the World. Only one finished. He was 29 year old Sir Robin Knox Johnston. History was made. Navigating only with a sextant, paper charts and an accurate and reliable time piece, Sir Robin navigated around the world.

In 2018, to celebrate 50 years since that first record breaking achievement, the Golden Globe Race was resurrected. It instantly gained traction with adventurers, captivated by the spirit and opportunity. Eighteen started with five finishers. To embrace the original race, boat types were restricted and sailors used only sextants, paper charts, wind up clocks, and cassette tapes for music.

Source: GGR