They said it couldn’t be done

The first ever Mini Globe Race sails into the history books as finishers arrive in Antigua having covered 24,000 miles solo around the globe in the past 13 months. Racing 19-foot Globe 580 yachts, 13 men and two women took part in the multi-stage competition.

Renaud Stitelmann (SUI) won every leg and set a benchmark time of 180 days 11 hours 25 minutes and 57 seconds. His average speed through all weather and oceans of the world – 5.54 knots, or 133 miles a day. After starting in Antigua, he returns 377 later having visited 15 ports in 13 countries along the way.

The race concept follows in the footsteps of the late John Guzzwell who in 1955—70 years before—set off in his home-built, 20-foot timber yacht, TREKKA, to sail solo around the world. Returning three years later, he was the first ever to do so. Guzzwell passed away in 2024 at the age of 94.

“This really is a momentous occasion for these sailors,” noted boat and race founder. “The MGR is a classic and challenging race and a very real adventure not for the faint hearted. But it shows clearly that the human spirit has no bounds if the dream is strong enough and a person believes in themselves.

“Our motto of “SMALL BOAT- HUGE ADVENTURE” also reflects on the budget. It is not impossible for many sailors and to build is not too big, or too small. It is just right. My idea for the MGR formed over about 40 years and I am the first to agree that on paper it sounds crazy.

“But the Class Globe 580 one-design concept, that starts with euro 350 construction plans, is sound and has now proven itself. Together with Polish yacht designer Janusz Maderski, we have created the perfect little dream boat. Now we have active builders in 37 countries and will have hundreds sailing very soon. It’s cool!”

While most entrants experienced knockdowns at some point, none suffered structural damage, rudder or keel issues. Of the four retirements, one was due to a health issue and the three Australians retired were simply short of money to leave Australia again.

The second edition is scheduled for 2029 with over 25 sailors already committed.

Event details – Notice of Race – Tracker – Results

Of the 15 sailors, three retired for financial reasons and one for a health issue.