Falling back in love with sailing

After a lifetime of working on other people’s boats, Gunnar Christensen is sailing on his own terms. Viveka Herzum for Yachting Monthly learns how he’s preparing for the 2026 Golden Globe Race:

“All I’ve done my whole life, is work in the service of others on their boats,” says skipper Gunnar Christensen.

Now in his late 50s, “I’ve realized I’ve never done any sailing in my own terms. It’s time I go on an adventure.”

Find out how the 2026 Golden Globe Race is helping him reclaim his passion for sailing as he prepares to sail around the world solo, non-stop, and unassisted. – Full report

Details: http://goldengloberace.com/

In 1968, while man was preparing to take his first steps on the moon, nine others started that first solo non-stop sailing race around the World. Only one finished – 29 year old Sir Robin Knox Johnston. 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. Entrants were limited to sailing similar yachts and equipment to what was available to Sir Robin in that first race. That means sailing without modern technology or the benefit of satellite-based navigation aids.

The race instantly gained traction with adventurers, captivated by the spirit and opportunity. Eighteen started with five finishers. For the third edition in 2022, there again were five finishers from 16 starters.

The fourth edition of the Golden Globe Race is set to commence from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France on September 6, 2026.