Untold story of a sinking and rescue

Published on August 7th, 2025

On November 18, 2022, at around 0700hrs, Tapio Lehtinen woke to a loud crash from the back of his beloved ASTERIA. He was 450 miles off the coast of South Africa racing in the solo 2022-23 Golden Globe Race around the world.

Out of his bunk he stood in knee deep water with more flooding in from under the engine. Six minutes later, grabbing what he could and donning his survival suit, he lunged into his life raft. Shortly after, he gave his old friend ASTERIA a final salute, as she slipped silently stern first below the waves of the southern oceans.

He was alone in his life raft. His emergency sat phone had a broken antenna. The PLB packed in his raft was working, but the EPIRB went down with the ship. The GGR organizers were stunned, but with Cape Town MRCC alerted, swung into action.

He was ultimately rescued by fellow competitor Kirsten Neuschäfer who went on to win the race and global recognition, and is now the subject of a short film “ASTERIA’S FINAL VOYAGE” released on YouTube.

Additionally, a 16-part short film series of “2022 GGR Skipper Stories” with one episode for each entrant is being released every week.

About the 2022 Golden Globe Race
On September 4, 2022, the third edition of the Golden Globe Race started from Les Sables d’Olonne, France. Sixteen skippers set off for eight months of isolation sailing 30,000 miles before finishing in Les Sables d’Olonne. Along the route there were several marks of the course and media requirements. Of the 16 singlehanders, five finished but two did not follow all race rules.

In 1968, while man was preparing to take his first steps on the moon, a mild mannered and modest young man was setting out on his own record breaking voyage of discovery. He had entered the original Golden Globe. Nine men started that first solo non-stop sailing race around the World. Only one finished. He was 29 year old Sir Robin Knox Johnston. History was made. 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. It instantly gained traction with adventurers, captivated by the spirit and opportunity. Eighteen started with five finishers.

To embrace the original race, competitors must sail in production boats between 32 and 36 feet overall and designed prior to 1988 that have a full-length keel with rudder attached to their trailing edge. Additionally, sailors have limited communication equipment and can use only sextants, paper charts, wind up clocks, and cassette tapes for music.

Details: goldengloberace.com

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