Countdown to Golden Globe Race

The fourth edition of the Golden Globe Race gets underway September 6, 2026 from the start and finish port of Les Sables-d’Olonne, France.

Seventeen entrants are preparing for the solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of approximately 30,000 nautical miles. Across the three previous editions, there were 43 attempts and nine finishes. The 2022-23 race had five of the 16 starters complete the course.

The key detail is how entrants are limited to sailing similar yachts and equipment to what was available in the 1968 first race.

“The GGR only happens once every four years, but when it does the world experiences something raw, totally and utterly human,” said race founder Don McIntyre. “It takes this adventure to a completely different level from all other solo races and human competition. Call it what you like, but the GGR stands out. It is a brutal demonstration of the human spirit and a race of attrition like no other.”

Competitors must sail in production boats between 32 and 36 feet overall designed prior to 1988 that have a full-length keel with rudder attached to their trailing edge. Additionally, sailors are without modern technology or the benefit of satellite-based navigation aids.

Antifouling choices are a major technical focus after marine growth posed a serious threat to performance in previous editions. Most entrants are using a hard antifouling base coat with three softer coats above it. Others are relying on Coppercoat, or on several layers of soft antifouling alone. A poor choice can cost thousands of miles and jeopardize a skipper’s chance of finishing.

Redundancy is another strong theme. Several skippers have fitted twin Hydrovane self-steering units, making dual installations an increasingly familiar sight on the dock. Emergency-rudder arrangements are being checked against long-standing GGR requirements, and every entrant must demonstrate a workable jury-rig solution for sailing home after a dismasting.

Event details – Entry list – Facebook