Twelve remain in Golden Globe Race

Sixteen solo skippers started the 2026-27 Golden Globe Race on September 6 from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. The fourth edition continues the “retro race” format in which 32-36 foot production boats designed prior to 1988, without modern technology, compete in the non-stop contest. Here is an update from November 5:

Of the 16 starters, 12 remain in the main race as leader Damien Guillou (FRA) has passed the longitude of the Cape of Good Hope to exit the Atlantic Ocean, holding a 750+ nm lead over Ertan Beskardes (GBR) who has yet to make the turn.

The past 10 days have delivered three fierce weather systems across different parts of the fleet. Forecast gusts in some areas reached 70 knots or more. Skippers have been forced to run before breaking seas, abandon their preferred courses, and repair damaged steering gear.

“I hand-steered EXODUS under bare poles in 60+ knots… shaking from cold, soaking wet after multiple crushing waves,” noted Israeli skipper Daniel Pinsky aboard his Baba 35.

had fought his way back into the adventure aboard Spirit

After extensive repairs in Lanzarote, Guy deBoer (USA) return to the race incurred a head injury and other injuries due to a violent fall below decks. On November 4, following medical advice, Race Management declared him unfit to continue in the event. He remains aboard and is being supported with weather guidance while a safe destination is considered.

Retired
September 26 – Selim Yalcin (TUR), Endurance 35, retired to Cadiz, Spain
October 17 – Pat Lawless (IRL), Saga 36, retirement port not yet known
October 27 – Louis Kerdelhue (FRA), Biscay 36 Masthead Ketch, retired to Recife, Brazil
November 4 – Guy deBoer (USA), Tashiba 36

Race details – Entry list – Tracker – Facebook

In 1968, nine started the first solo non-stop sailing race around the World with 29 year old Sir Robin Knox Johnston as the lone finisher. He navigated only with a sextant, paper charts, and an accurate and reliable time piece, and the Golden Globe Race seeks to recreate the challenge.

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

In 2018, 18 started with five finishers for the second edition. When repeated in 2022, there were three finishers from 16 starters. Along the route there were several marks of the course and media requirements. For the fourth edition, after 29 solo sailors from 12 countries initially entered, 16 have fulfilled the requirements to start from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France on September 6, 2026.