Mini Globe Race: Some sort of miracle

Thirteen men and two women from eight countries set sail from Antigua one year ago for the solo round the world 2025 Mini Globe Race in 19-foot Globe 580 yachts. This multi-stage race is now on its final leg, a 2300-course from Recife in Brazil to the finish in Antigua.

Of the 15 sailors that set out in their home-built plywood yachts on February 23, three retired for financial reasons and one for a health issue. Those still sailing have since amassed a lifetime of memories as they seek to complete a 24,000-mile solo race so bold and outrageous. That only four have retired is some sort of miracle.

This last sail home is a tactical challenge through the doldrums, collision risk with floating logs from the Amazon, extreme currents, and the wind more on the beam, or forward of it and strong in the last days into Antigua.

Sails are tired and sun damaged, but the boats are strong. Eric Marsh on Sunbear took a 48-hour time penalty before departure for fitting a new mainsail. Others are taking a chance they can hold their sails together. Will that work? Standing by…

Event details – Notice of Race – Tracker