Rustler 36: Golden Globe’s go-to boat

In its fourth edition, the 2026-27 Golden Globe Race continues the format of an affordable solo non-stop round the world race. This is done by using production boats between 32-36 foot overall designed prior to 1988 without modern electronic equipment, dramatically reducing the cost to compete.

When choosing a boat, the Rustler 36 has been a successful option. It won in 2018, second in 2022, and leads the current race. Sam Wakefield reviews how a Falmouth Long-Keeler became the Golden Globe’s go-to boat:

The Rustler 36 is a Falmouth cruiser from the early 1980s, with a long keel, a rudder hung off the transom and no interest in speed. Four of the 16 skippers who left Les Sables-d’Olonne on September 6 chose one for the McIntyre Golden Globe Race. Ten weeks on, a Rustler leads the fleet, another is second and a third is still racing. Here is why this boat keeps turning up at the front of the Golden Globe. – Full report

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.