Returning with unfinished business

The Global Solo Challenge is a single-handed, non-stop round the world yachting event, and for the second edition on 2027-28, Ronnie Simpson (USA) returns with unfinished business. During his participation in the 2023-24 edition, he had rounded all three of the Great Capes and held 3rd place for the best part of the circumnavigation.

But after Cape Horn, he was sailing north in the South Atlantic and chased by a severe storm. Due to horrible seas, he lept off the top of a wave and his mast collapsed upon landing. The ensuing hours were difficult for Simpson as he sought to secure his boat which was at risk of being damaged by the broken rig. The assessment of the situation ultimately led him to request rescue and abandon his boat.

Now, with renewed determination and a new campaign, he becomes the 15th confirmed skipper for the upcoming edition. He recently bought the Class40 #15 from David Linger who concluded the GSC 2023-24 in 6th place. This Owen Clarke Design built in 2006 comes from the same mould as Cole Brauer’s First Light which may return to the GSC skippered by Australian sailor Elizabeth Tucker. It is also a sistership to Ari Kansakoski’s ZeroChallenge and Dealtry Pickford’s Metric 4T.

Where does your passion for sailing come from?

I found sailing in my early 20s and was immediately captivated by the freedom and travel, as well as the connection to nature and the elements that it represented. As I become more exposed to the sport, I became both an avid racing sailor and cruising sailor. I first discovered the Vendée Globe in 2008, and have been captivated by it ever since. I have continued to pursue solo and crewed racing, as well as cruising ever since. I have worked in the sailing industry since 2010.

What lessons have you learnt from sailing?

It has continually offered me inspiration in life and reminded me that anything is possible. Sailing has taught me to dream. Sailing has also taught me how powerful Mother Nature can be, and to have a significant respect for the elements, while also learning that almost any task or problem can have a reasonable solution.

What brought you to like single-handed sailing?

Discovering the Vendée Globe in 2008 was a major life moment for me. Nothing has ever captivated me so much, and made me say “I want to do that”, like the Vendée Globe. To that effect, I began competing in solo sailing races in San Francisco in 2010, and I raced solo to Hawaii twice in 2010 and 2012. I did a lot of solo cruising around the Pacific in my 20s and 30s, and was eventually afforded an opportunity to race in the 2023 GSC, which re-ignited my passion for solo around the world racing.

How do you plan to prepare for this event?

I have purchased Class 40 #15 Koloa Maoli in early 2025, and I plan to begin training in the Spring of 2025 in Portland, Maine and off the east coast of the USA. Dependent on budget, we will conduct a winter refit at the end of 2025 or end of 2026. I hope to be ahead of the curve and complete a qualifier in 2026 and spend 2027 really fine tuning and optimizing the platform, campaign and skipper.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?

Finding the required funding to mount a proper effort.

Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.

It is a first-generation 2006 Owen Clarke design that is well-built, solid, and is already fully compliant with the GSC rules. Built by Jaz Marine in South Africa, it finished third in the 2006 Route du Rhum with Ian Munslow. The boat was moved to Maine and lightly sailed for several years before David Linger purchased the boat and re-named it Koloa Maoli.

The boat is very nicely set up with good sails, a lot of solar, hydro generators, NKE electronics, and all recommended safety gear. Dependent on budget, the boat will go through a major re-fit before the 2027 GSC. Boat does have a nice, custom dodger to increase skipper protection in the cockpit.

Do you intend to link this personal challenge with a social message?

Yes. As a combat-wounded US Marine and Iraq war veteran, introducing veterans to sailing to aid in their own healing is a cause that has always been very near and dear to my heart. To that effect, I am proud to again be aligned with US Patriot Sailing out of Annapolis, Maryland.

I also aim to promote a circular economy, sustainability, renewable energies and ocean health throughout my campaign. I look forward to connecting with like minded sponsors and building a regional based ocean racing campaign that connects many businesses.

Details: https://globalsolochallenge.com

The inaugural Global Solo Challenge 2023-24 sought to be a budget-friendly solo, non-stop race around the world. Using a pursuit format, 20 entrants from 34 to 70 feet had start times between August 26 to January 6 from A Coruña, Spain, with the first boat to return deemed the winner. The second edition has moved the start and finish line along the Spanish coast from A Coruña to Vigo for the 2027-28 race.

Source: GSC