Globe 580 Transat gets underway
Published on January 11th, 2025
The third edition of the McIntyre Globe 580 Transat began January 11 for 12 solo skippers from nine countries on their home-built 19-foot plywood Globe 5.80 Mini Class boats. The course extends 3000nm from the Canary Islands to Antigua.
Sailed by an eclectic group of adventurous romantic sailors, these passionate men and women of all ages and from all walks of life have one thing in common. They are all chasing dreams.
They let nothing get in the way, selling houses, giving up careers and leaving loved ones behind, not just for a month, but for most, nearly 18 months. Why? After the Atlantic crossing to Antigua, all but one are entered in the 2025-26 Mini Globe Race (MGR), a solo, west about round the world race.
“It is impossible to describe the emotion as they left the marina,” said event organizer Don McIntyre. “They just wanted to go and they are all a very close brotherhood now, all looking after and watching out for each other …it’s amazing!
“I really think building their boats and setting out on such a long-held dream is increasing the fire in their belly. They all know that it is just the start and that the big one, the dream, the MGR is just over the horizon.”
A favorable long-range forecast is suggesting solid NE Tradewinds for the next 12-13 days allowing the fleet to bypass the usual Cape Verde Islands as a way point before turning to the west. Cutting this corner could make for a fast passage to Antigua, reducing 4-5 days from the trip.
Once finished, all but one will join four other sailors to form the 15-boat fleet from eight nations that will the MGR on February 23, 2025.
The Mini Globe Race is a world first event and has never been attempted by Mini Ocean racers. The course around the world celebrates the 75th Anniversary and follows in the footsteps of John Guzzwell, who in 1955 set off in his home built 20ft timber yacht TREKKA to become the first ever “Mini Yacht” to sail around the world.
From Antigua, the course extends extending via Panama to Tahiti, Fiji, the Torres Strait, the Cape of Good Hope, and Recife, including a number of other ports along the way. The longest legs may take up to 60 days at sea and expects to finish by March 2026.
Race details – Tracker – Facebook
Source: McIntyre Mini Globe Race