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Join the race, bookings now open for individual berths for this year’s knox-johnston cup.

Individual berths have launched for this year’s Knox-Johnston Cup. Taking place on the weekend of 27-29 September 2024, this flagship event is jam packed with fun and competitive racing on…

23 Aug 2024

Steering a different course: hear from sailing pros Hannah Brewis and Ella Hebron on turning a passion into a profession

We chatted to Clipper Race and Washington, DC leadership duo, Skipper and First Mate Hannah Brewis and Ella Hebron, on how they pursued their hobby and made it a career…

27 Jul 2024

Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam sails back into Portsmouth as Clipper Race champions

Today the Clipper 2023-24 Round the World Yacht Race drew to a close at the Grand Finale at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, where the Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam proudly…

21 Jun 2023

Notice of Race: Clipper 2023-24 Race

CLIPPER 2023-24 RACE NOTICE OF RACE 1. Title of Race The Race will be known as the Clipper 2023-24 Round the World Yacht Race…

26 Jul 2024

Instant reactions to the closing of the Clipper 2023-24 Race

And just like that... 326 days, 40,000nm, six oceans and six continents later... Race 14, and the Clipper 2023-24 Race is complete. What an incredible eleven months. Here's what our…

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27 Mar 2024

Our Isles and Oceans wins Race 9: Sailing City - Qingdao Cup

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Latest News: 2023 McIntyre Ocean Globe Prize giving!

days hrs mins secs

The Ocean Globe Race (OGR) is a fully crewed retro race in the spirit of the 1973 Whitbread Round the World Race. It marks the 50th anniversary of the original event.

It’s an eight-month adventure around the world for ordinary sailors on normal yachts. Racing ocean-going GRP production yachts designed before 1988, there will be no computers, no satellites, no GPS, and no high-tech materials. Sextants, team spirit and raw determination alone in the great traditions of ocean racing are allowed on this truly human endeavor. These will be real heroes pushing each other to the limit and beyond – in a real race!

Following the success of the 2018 Golden Globe Race , the concept of retro, fully crewed, traditional ocean racing around the globe has returned.

Don McIntyre – 8 minutes on ‘Who What How When Where and Why of the OGR’

Yesterday and Today

The 1968 sunday times golden globe race was the first ever around-the-world yacht race..

It was an adventure to determine who could be the first to circumnavigate the globe solo, nonstop without assistance. Nine sailors started, only one finished. It was an epic tale won by the least expected to win – Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in the 32ft timber ketch  Suhaili . He established a world record in the same year that footsteps first appeared on the surface of the Moon. A few years later, the British yachting establishment organised the first ever fully crewed yacht race around the world. With backing from  Whitbread Breweries  and following in the wake of the great clipper ships, the legend that became known simply as ‘The Whitbread’ was born in 1973.

18 yachts lined up for the start on a sunny Saturday morning in Portsmouth England on 8 September 1973. Two more would join for later legs. It was an adventure, a family affair even, in yachts from 45ft to 74ft.

The race would take them first to Cape Town, South Africa and on to Sydney Australia, before heading deep south around the infamous Cape Horn to Rio de Janeiro and finally back up to Portsmouth – 27,000 miles later. A total of 324 crew were involved. Sadly, three would never return; lost overboard during Southern Ocean storms. Five yachts retired and three were dismasted. This race was also won by the least expected to win; a family crew with friends, sailing a standard production Swan 65 yacht,  Sayula II , skippered by Mexican Ramón Carlin.

It was a fantastic race. A true adventure filled with real stories of human endeavour, colour and challenges on the high seas.

For the next 20 years the adventure continued with a  Whitbread Round the World Race  staged every four years. Sailors of all levels, ages and backgrounds were able to follow their dreams. They signed on and circumnavigated the globe – in a race.

Yachts became steadily faster, and costs began to climb. The fifth edition in 1989 saw one entry spend £6million in an unsuccessful bid to win. The 6th edition in 1993 brought huge change and sadly the end for most sailors hoping to be part of this ultimate challenge. By then, the  Whitbread Race  had evolved into a fully professional event. In the words of the organisers, it was now the Formula 1 of Grand Prix ocean yacht racing. Ordinary sailors with their dreams could only spectate.

A growing international audience, advancing technology and huge budgets led eventually to Volvo taking over the race. They transformed the event into a nautical extravaganza of stunning proportions with elite sailors that we have all grown to respect. Peak athletes all, sailing a few grand prix, state of the art, one-design yachts, driven by computers, all with comprehensive shore support ready to pick up the pieces. These spectacular Volvo yachts left the clipper ships in their wake in every sense!

Today, these high budget boats chase records across the planet to dazzle at race villages and big budget spectacles. Currently in a state of transition, the newly renamed Ocean Race is stepping up again, reinventing itself in exciting ways with IMOCA 60 yachts sailed by just five elite crew and autopilots now helming for the first time.

On the 50th anniversary of the original Whitbread Round the World Race,  McIntyre Adventure (organisers of the Golden Globe Race ) and the  Globe Yacht Club  are proud to announce, that after 30 years of spectating, ordinary yacht club sailors and owners everywhere, once again have a chance to race around the globe! We are going back to that first great Whitbread Race and sailing like it’s 1973. The Ocean Globe Race (OGR) is for sailors with a dream and a sense of adventure – pure and simple! Is it YOU?

O°G°R Latest News

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Sodebo, vandb: partnering a boat and the vendée globe, how do they complement each other, damien seguin: "feeding off the energy of the olympics".

One globe, one ocean

The Vendée Globe aims to use the media impact of the event to raise public awareness of ocean conservation throughout the round-the-world race. By sailing around the world, the Vendée Globe sailors are highlighting the fragility of our oceans faced with global warming. They are direct witnesses to the changes underway, particularly around Antarctica, a region that is under particular threat.

Soft mobility

The Vendée Globe adventure doesn't start in Les Sables d'Olonne! It starts from home, by using a low-carbon mode of transport to get to the race village. The organisers have set up a mobility committee to bring together all the public and private players involved and propose soft mobility solutions for getting to the village.

40 skippers

Fabrice Amedeo

Romain Attanasio

Éric Bellion

Yannick Bestaven

Jérémie Beyou

Arnaud Boissières

Louis Burton

Conrad Colman

Antoine Cornic

Manuel Cousin

Clarisse Crémer

Charlie Dalin

Samantha Davies

Violette Dorange

Benjamin Dutreux

Benjamin Ferré

Sam Goodchild

Oliver Heer

Boris Herrmann

Isabelle Joschke

Jean Le Cam

Tanguy Le Turquais

Nicolas Lunven

Sébastien Marsset

Paul Meilhat

Justine Mettraux

Giancarlo Pedote

Yoann Richomme

Thomas Ruyant

Damien Seguin

Kojiro Shiraishi

Sébastien Simon

Maxime Sorel

Guirec Soudée

Denis Van Weynbergh

Szabolcs Weöres

What is the Vendée Globe?

The Vendée Globe is a single-handed, non-stop, non-assisted round-the-world sailing race that takes place every four years. It is contested on IMOCA monohulls, which are 18 metres long. The skippers set off from Les Sables-d'Olonne in Vendée and sail around 45,000 kilometres around the globe, rounding the three legendary capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin and finally Cape Horn) before returning to Les Sables d'Olonne. The race has acquired an international reputation, attracting skippers from all over the world. Beyond the competition, it is above all an incredible human adventure.

Stay tuned #VG2024

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Global Solo Challenge – Home

Achieving the dream.

Around the world Single-handed Non-stop By the three great capes With a unique format Budget friendly Environmentally conscious Second edition 2027-2028

Latest updates

The Austrian sailor Lisa Berger from Innsbruck, a former Mini 6.50 sailor, has announced the purchase of an Akilaria RC2 Class40 #93 and has opened up to her round-the world ambitions. “The plan is to do the Globe 40 race with my Co-Skipper Jade, which starts end of August 2025 already! The Globe 40 is a doublehanded race around the world with stopovers, on Class 40s. Lots of work to be done in that short period of time until the start. A big part of it will also be finding sponsors and partners for this Globe 40 project, but we love being busy and focused since everything is possible. After this, my ultimate goal with Wilson is to do the Global Solo Challenge in 2027, which is a solo and nonstop race around the world. That’s the plan!” Lisa Berger. Photo @Lisa Berger.

At 16:32 local time, July 3rd, after over 277 days from his departure on September 30th last year, Louis Robein has crossed the finish line of the 2023-2024 Global Solo Challenge taking 7th place. A beautiful early summer day with clear skies and a pleasant afternoon breeze created a beautiful backdrop to celebrate Louis’ incredible achievement. Sporting a t-shirt reading “Never underestimate an old man who likes sailing” it was a very proud moment for family, friend, supporters and for the French skipper who has conquered the hearts of a vast public with perseverance and determination through a multitude of setbacks. He once again thanked the generosity of those who helped him after his grounding in the Tierra del Fuego which nearly put an end to his circumnavigation. Louis managed to make essential repairs and restart from Ushuaia whist spring was already giving way to Autumn and it was already showing. He continued his journey north and patiently dealt with tropical calms, light winds around the azores, torn sails and diminishing rations and too little fuel left to produce enough electricity to use the autopilot in light airs when slow speeds had rendered the hydrogenerator inefficient. He arrived in A

The wind went from strong to very light, giving Louis the chance to deal with his torn headsail, he changed from his genoa to his staysail, the smaller sail he had used in the southern seas. The sail change took place in the midst of the shipping traffic off the coast of Portugal which required extra caution and for a few hours Louis opted to sail back on himself in safe waters whilst tending to the sails. He also had to deal with some problems with a mainsail slug getting stuck in the mast. Now he’s finally ready to take on the last stretch to the finish and with just 130 miles to go his arrival is imminent, although it will all be upwind. I think an arrival on the morning of the 2nd of July is the most likely scenario but we will post updates if this will change. We will be welcoming Louis into the bay of A Coruna live streaming both on our Facebook channel as well as Instagram. Please join us online to give Louis a hero’s welcome.

Milestone after milestone, mile after mile, Louis Robein is closer to completing his extraordinary circumnavigation with now less than 2000 miles to go. Louis will soon be sailing out of the North East trade winds and will have to deal with the light winds associated with the Azores high although the overall picture does not look too bad for Louis who hopefully will be able to press on without too much time lost in windless calms. We follow Louis daily and are so happy to see him closing in towards the finish.

News Articles

Professional mariner Fraser Flight enters the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028

Fraser Light @fraserflight   We’re excited to announce that Fraser Flight, an experienced professional mariner, has officially joined the lineup for the Global Solo Challenge (GSC) 2027-2028, becoming the 8th

Galician authorities officially welcome the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028 in Vigo

Real Club Náutico de Vigo – GSC Presentation @Juan Caballero   The presentation held at the Real Club Náutico de Vigo of the Global Solo Challenge 2027/2028 marked a significant

Inspiring and unstoppable: Louis Robein’s humble triumph wins hearts in the Global Solo Challenge

Louis Robein – Le Souffle de la Mer III @globalsolochallenge   When Louis Robein sailed into A Coruna, clean-shaven and relaxed, it was easy to mistake him for a sailor

Announcing the 6th Entry for the 2027-2028 Global Solo Challenge

The Global Solo Challenge (GSC) is proud to announce the 6th official entry for the 2027-2028 edition: Belgian sailor Jérôme Delire. With over 100,000 nautical miles sailed and a deep-seated

Skippers' Blogs

Global Solo Challenge and Cofradía Europea de la Vela in strategic partnership

Francisco Quiroga, president of the Cofradía Europea de la Vela (CEV) and Marco Nannini, organiser of the Global Solo Challenge (GSC)   Following a productive

Brian Gray enters the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028

Brian Gray – USA – Pogo 44 Humble Pi   We’re thrilled to introduce the latest entrant in the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028, which will

Vigo, July 23rd 12:30 – GSC 2027 Presentation and Press Conference at the RCNV

Tuesday July 23rd at 12:30 I am excited to invite you to the Real Club Náutico de Vigo for the presentation of the 2027-2028 edition

Night on watch

Hello, The past night was a night on watch. After the cargo ships early in the night, came the fishermen. To make everything even more

Global Solo Challenge Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved. Website created by Primeconsulting

The Event, its name, logo, website, social media pages and all their content are the sole property of Marco Nannini LTD, 3rd floor, 166 College Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 1BH, UK. All rights, title, intellectual property, Copyright, contractual and other entitlements of and relating to the Event, its name, logo, website, social media pages and all their content, vest in and are retained by Marco Nannini LTD.

What is The Ocean Race?

The Ocean Race is often described as the longest and toughest professional sporting event in the world, sailing’s toughest team challenge and one of the sport’s Big Three events, alongside the Olympic Games and America’s Cup.

To truly understand the race, though, it’s better to think of it in a way the athletes who take part will recognise immediately. Put simply, The Ocean Race is an obsession, and many of the world's best sailors have dedicated years, even decades of their lives trying to win it.

Take Sir Peter Blake, who competed in the first edition of what was then the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973-74 and came back again and again until he finally conquered his Everest, securing an overwhelming victory with Steinlager 2 in 1989-90. Only then was he able to fully turn his attention to other projects.

The race sits, just as it always has, at the intersection of human adventure, and world-class competition. Thanks to the work of the Onboard Reporters embedded with every team, fans are given a unique insight into just what it takes to win a race that is relentless in its demands – as teams give everything they have, 24 hours a day, in pursuit of the tiny advantages that can make all the difference.

The race’s concept is simple: it’s a round-the-clock pursuit of competitive edge and the ultimate ocean marathon, pitting the sport’s best sailors against each other across the world’s toughest waters. It’s relentless: the importance of winning, the adventure of life on board, the transformative effect on the sailors — all of these combine to give the race its power and depth.

The last edition of the race was the closest in history, with three teams virtually tied, approaching the finish line. After 126 days of racing spread across 11 legs, the winning margin for Charles Caudrelier’s Dongfeng Race Team was only 16 minutes. The top three teams were separated by just four points.

A total of 2.5 million people visited the Race Villages during the 2017-18 event, getting a first-hand taste of the action. Millions more followed the action on our digital platforms, television and via the news as the race set new high-marks for international coverage.

Now we enter a new era as the event continues to evolve. Two classes will compete in the 2022-23 edition of the race with the addition of the high-tech, foiling IMOCA 60 class adding a design and technical element. The one-design VO65 fleet will race for The Ocean Race VO65 Sprint Cup over three legs: Leg 1 from Alicante, Spain to Cabo Verde, Leg 6 from Aarhus, Denmark to The Hague in the Netherlands, and Leg 7 from The Hague to Genova, Italy.

Following the success of our ground-breaking and award-winning sustainability efforts in the last race, sustainability will continue to be a core value of the race as we go forward, as we redouble our efforts to restore ocean health and lead, inspire and engage on this critical issue.

The 14th edition of The Ocean Race started from Alicante, Spain on January 15th 2023, and will finish in Genova, the Grand Finale, in Italy early in the summer of 2023. The race visits nine iconic cities around the globe over a six-month period (Alicante, Spain - Cabo Verde - Cape Town, South Africa - Itajaí, Brazil - Newport, RI, USA - Aarhus, Denmark - Kiel Fly-By, Germany - The Hague, the Netherlands - Genova, Italy) and features a leg with the longest racing distance in the 50-year history of the event - a 12,750 nautical mile, one-month marathon from Cape Town, South Africa to Itajaí, Brazil. The IMOCA fleet of mixed crews will pass all three great southern Capes - Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn - non-stop, for the first time.

How the race is won

Although at its most fundamental level the perfect strategy for  winning The Ocean Race comes down to simply scoring more points than  your competitors, there is much more involved in emerging victorious  from a five-month, 32,000-nautical mile (36,825-mile / 60,000-kilometre)  race around the world.

The Ocean Race uses a high points scoring system with the winning  team on an offshore leg awarded points equal to the number of entries in  the race. Second place gets points equal to the number of entries minus  one – and so on down the finishing order.

However, double points are up for grabs on two of the legs: the  monster 12,750-nautical mile (14,672-mile / 23,613-kilometre) Southern  Ocean passage on Leg 3 from Cape Town, South Africa to Itajaí in Brazil –  the longest in the race’s 50-year history – and the transatlantic  crossing on Leg 5 from US city Newport, Rhode Island to Aarhus in  Denmark.

The points on Leg 3 will be split between the order in which the teams  pass the longitude of 143 degrees east – and their finishing order at  the end of the leg. On Leg 5 the points will be doubled based on the  teams’ finishing order on the 3,500-nautical mile (4,028-mile /  6,482-kilometre) transatlantic crossing.

With the rules dictating that teams which fail to finish a leg shall  receive no points, the crews will need to manage their instinct to push  their boats and themselves flat out with the need to avoid sustaining  damage that might slow them down or even force them to retire.

As well as avoiding damage the sailors need to avoid incurring penalty  points that can be awarded for any transgressions to the race’s rules,  such as entering race imposed exclusion zones, measurement violations,  and anything else deemed to be a breach of the regulations.

The final standings at the end of the race are determined based on the  teams’ total score for all of the legs – less any penalty points. The  team with the highest series score wins with others ranked accordingly.  Ties on overall points are throughout the race broken in favour of the  boat with the highest overall position in the In-Port Series.

In The Ocean Race 2017-18 after racing for eight months around the world  the top three teams were so close on points starting the final leg from  Gothenburg, Sweden to The Hague in the Netherlands that the eventual  winner – China’s Dongfeng Race Team – was not decided until the last few  miles to the finish line.

Europe 2021

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Kirsten Neuschafer wins 2022 Golden Globe Race and makes history

• Katy Stickland
• April 27, 2023

Kirsten Neuschafer has become the first woman to win a solo, round the world yacht race after winning the 2022 Golden Globe Race

Kirsten Neuschafer made it very clear from the start that she was aiming to win the 2022 Golden Globe Race . And now the South African skipper has achieved her goal, and made history in the process.

After just over 235 days at sea, the sailor crossed the finish line off Les Sables d’Olonne in France at 9pm CEST on 27 April 2023 and became the first woman to win a solo, round the world yacht race.

After a painfully slow final few miles as she ghosted towards the finish, Neuschafer actually crossed the finish line around 10 hours behind competitor, Simon Curwen, but a previous stop for repairs for the British sailor had already relegated him to the Chichester class (for those who make a single landfall).

No wind, meant it took hours for Kirsten Neuschafer to sail the Minnehaha over the finish line. Credit: Katy Stickland

Second-time Golden Globe Race competitor, Abhilash Tomy will be the next boat across the finish line, lying some 100nm astern of Neuschafer. That these three will finish within the space of a couple of days after 235 days at sea speaks to the high level of competition between these front runners.

Tired but jubilant, the focussed 39-year-old, who throughout much of the race had no idea she was leading, celebrated a hard-fought victory. Her Cape George 36 cutter, Minnehaha was then towed up the channel to the pontoon as thousands of people cheered and applauded her incredible achievement.

Among them were 2022 Golden Globe Race skippers Ian Herbert-Jones, who had just arrived from Cape Town, having been rescued from his dismasted boat just weeks before, and French sailor Damien Guillou , whose race ended after windvane steering failure on approach to Cape Town.

‘I feel very emotional and honoured,’ said Neuschafer after finishing the race. ‘I am never going to forget the welcome. I want to thank my fellow skippers as without them, there would have been no race. Simon was very difficult as he was always in front of me and I knew Abhilash was close, and this encouraged me to navigate as quickly as possible.’

Kirsten Neuschafer – the winner of the 2022 Golden Globe Race and the first woman to win a solo round the world yacht race. Credit: Katy Stickland

1997 Vendée Globe veteran Catherine Chabaud, the first female sailor to race solo non stop around the world without assistance, and the winner of the 2018 Golden Globe Race, Jean-Luc van den Heede, were there to greet Neuschafer as she stepped off her boat after nearly 8 months at sea.

Her official finishing time was 233 days, 20 hours, 43 minutes and 47 seconds. This takes into account the 35 hour time compensation and 30 litre fuel allowance given to her following her role in the rescue of fellow race skipper, Tapio Lehtinen,

Neuschafer said she was driven to keep going, even in calms and the doldrums on the way up the Atlantic, where she regularly went swimming to deal with the frustration.

‘I never thought I would give up; there was no reason to think this as I had full confidence in the boat. I never doubted I would get to the finish line.’

Catherine Chabaud, the first female sailor to race solo non stop around the world without assistance was there to greet Kirsten Neuschafter on. her arrival. Credit: Katy Stickland

Throughout the 2022 Golden Globe Race , Kirsten Neuschafer has fought to be at the front of the fleet, her ambition to win driving her more than many of the other entrants.

She deliberately chose a boat that she believed could win the race and survive the Southern Ocean.

Speaking to Yachting Monthly from Prince Edward Island, where she was refitting the boat, she said: ‘From the outset it wasn’t a question of taking any boat that was available and in my price range; it was to choose a boat that I believe can win and can survive the Southern Ocean , and then get that boat at any cost, no matter how much work.’

Kirsten Neuschafer in the lead, in early March 2023. Credit: Kirsten Neuschafer/GGR 2022

Her choice of the Cape George 36 paid off. Minnehaha has the longest LWL in the fleet, and with a generous cutter rigged 806sq ft sail plan, the boat achieved slightly higher speeds than her counterparts.

As a result, she holds the 2022 Golden Globe Race records for the best 4 hour speed average (9.80 knots), best 24 hour distance (218.9nm) and best 7 day distance (1,216.2nm).

The boat’s performance was evident after her average start in the race, but she constantly pushed, choosing to hand steer the boat rather than just rely on her Hydrovane windvane steering to make up for lost ground. Her disappointment coming 6th through the first race gate at Lanzarote was evident, but her motivation was stronger.

Kirsten Neuschafer prepared Minnehaha on Prince Edward Island. Credit: Patricia Richard

Having exited the Bay of Biscay in 10th place, she was soon climbing the leader board. Coming down the Atlantic, she chose a more coastal route to keep the island of Trinidade to port; a strategy to make the most of the current and receive weather information via her weather fax so she could identify the location of the South Atlantic High.

She took the longer, southern route with a more comfortable point of sail to reach the race’s second gate at Cape Town; a strategy that paid off when she was second through the gate behind the then race leader Simon Curwen .

Article continues below…

Kirsten Neuschafer: Golden Globe Race 2022 skipper

Kirsten Neuschafer has plenty of Southern Ocean experience, which she hopes will be an advantage as she takes part in…

Golden Globe Race: Kirsten Neuschafer: ‘I’ll give it my best shot but I’m pretty disillusioned’

Third place Golden Globe Race skipper Kirsten Neuschafer has been left frustrated by the lack of wind, which has also…

By this time, Curwen was extending his lead as he began crossing the Indian Ocean. Days after leaving Cape Town, Kirsten Neuschafer diverted from her race route to rescue fellow entrant Tapio Lehtinen, after his Gaia 36, Asteria sank around 450 miles south east of South Africa.

At the time, Neuschafer was 105 miles from Lehtinen’s position; she hand steered through the night, posting speeds of 7 knots to reach him the following morning. Once safely onboard, they waited for the arrival of the Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier Darya Gayatri , which would take Lehtinen to port.

Kirsten Neuschafer and Tapio Lehtinen share rum after the rescue of the Finnish skipper from his liferaft. Credit: Kirsten Nesuchafer/GGR 2022

Neuschafer was awarded a 35 hour time compensation and a 30 litre fuel allowance by the Golden Globe Race organisers.

Back in race mode, she pushed hard across the Indian Ocean, gaining 500 miles on Curwen and arrived just 29.5 hours behind him in Hobart. She briefly took first place when passing through Tasmania but then became trapped in no wind zones around New Zealand for several days.

This allowed Curwen to extend his lead by 900 miles; by this time, he was also sailing in a different weather system to Neuschafer and her nearest rival, Abhilash Tomy .

Neuschafer and Tomy swapped second and third place positions across the South Pacific, Neuschafer often frustrated by the calms, and her inability to find the better wind, which was often in the race’s Pacific exclusion zone.

She dived for 8 hours to remove the barnacles from the boat’s hull to improve her speed.

Kirsten Neuschafer/ rounded Cape Horn on Day 164 of the race. Credit: Kirsten Neuschafer/GGR 2022

Curwen, who had a 1,200 mile lead, then reported the failure of his Hydrovane self-steering gear , which forced him to make a 1,000 mile detour to Chile to make repairs; this also put him in the Chichester Class for entrants who make one stop.

This meant both Neuschafer and Tomy were back in the race for first place.

After 150 days of racing, Neuschafer took the lead and was the first to round Cape Horn on 15 February 2023.

But her routing decision up the Atlantic allowed Tomy to make gains in his Rustler 36, Bayanat , despite battling problems with his Wind Pilot windvane steering, his rig, rigging, and having to hand-stitch his mainsail after it ripped in two.

Kirsten Neuschafer took a more easterly route up the Atlantic. Credit: Kirsten Neuschäfer/GGR2022

Unlike Tomy, who stayed close to the rhumb line, Kirsten Neuschafer, who was sailing more conservatively due to a bend in Minehaha’s bowsprit, decided to take a more easterly route.

At the time she said: ‘I read up in  Ocean Passages for the World what is the best route for this time of year and the route is to pass 80 miles south of the Falklands and make for a point to the east of 35°S and 30°W at this time of year, and this is what I’ve been doing. I don’t know if it was a good idea to follow the suggestions or not.’

Doubting her easterly route, she took a more northerly route; it was a decision which would prove incredibly frustrating for Kirsten Neuschafer, who sailed through more light winds than any other 2022 Golden Globe Race sailor while sailing up the Atlantic, and meant she crossed a very wide doldrums.

This allowed both Tomy and Curwen to make gains on her position before Curwen in his Biscay 36, Clara , took the lead and become the first of the 2022 Golden Globe Race fleet to cross the finish line.

Positions of the Golden Globe Race 2022 skippers on 27 April 2022 at 2100 CEST

Kirsten Neuschafer, (South Africa), Cape George 36 cutter, Minnehaha – FINISHED 1st Abhilash Tomy , (India), Rustler 36, Bayanat – 100nm to the finish Michael Guggenberger , (Austria), Biscay 36, Nuri – 1800nm to the finish

Chichester Class:

Simon Curwen , (UK), Biscay 36, Clara – FINISHED 1st (Chichester Class) Jeremy Bagshaw , (South Africa), OE32, Olleanna – 2600nm to the finish

Edward Walentynowicz , (Canada), Rustler 36, Noah’s Jest Guy deBoer , (USA), Tashiba 36, Spirit Mark Sinclair (Australia), Lello 34, Coconut Pat Lawless , (Ireland), Saltram Saga 36 , Green Rebel Damien Guillou , (France), Rustler 36, PRB Ertan Beskardes , (UK), Rustler 36, Lazy Otter Tapio Lehtinen , (Finland), Gaia 36, Asteria Arnaud Gaist , (France), Barbican 33 Mk 2, Hermes Phoning Elliot Smith ,  (USA), Gale Force 34, Second Wind Guy Waites (UK), Tradewind 35, Sagarmatha Ian Herbert-Jones (UK), Tradewind 35, Puffin

Enjoyed reading Kirsten Neuschafer wins 2022 Golden Globe Race and makes history?

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A Deep Dive into the World's Most Exciting Sailboat Races

10 Must-See Sailboat Races around the World

The america's cup.

 Known as the oldest international sporting trophy, the America's Cup is an iconic yacht race and a gem in the sailing crown. It started back in 1851 and has held onto its reputation ever since. This race involves an intense competition between two sailing yachts – one defending the title and the other challenging it. A blend of history, tradition, and fierce competition, the America's Cup never fails to enthrall.

The Vendée Globe

If there ever was a race that tested the limits of human endurance, it's the Vendée Globe. Known as the 'Everest of the Seas', this single-handed (solo), non-stop yacht race takes sailors around the world without any assistance. It's a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and a must-see for anyone intrigued by extreme sailing feats.

Volvo Ocean Race

Taking place every three years, the Volvo Ocean Race is a round-the-world yacht race that pushes sailors to their limits. Over the course of nine months, competitors battle it out across some of the most treacherous seas on the planet. This race is not only a test of sailing expertise but also of resilience, endurance, and team spirit.

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is a highlight of the yachting calendar. It starts in Sydney on Boxing Day and finishes in Hobart, Tasmania. The race is known for its challenging weather conditions and fiercely competitive field, attracting yachtsmen and women from all over the world.

The Fastnet Race

The Fastnet Race is a classic offshore yacht race that offers a thrilling combination of inshore and offshore racing. Starting in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, England, the race takes competitors around the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland before finishing in Plymouth, England. The race is renowned for its tough conditions and strategic challenges.

The Newport Bermuda Race

Established in 1906, the Newport Bermuda Race is a 635-mile ocean race that runs from Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda. Known for its tactical demands and changeable conditions, it's a race that tests sailors' skills, perseverance, and navigational prowess to the maximum.

The Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac)

Held every two years, the Transpacific Yacht Race is an offshore yacht race from Los Angeles to Honolulu, spanning a distance of around 2,225 nautical miles. The race is a test of navigation and sailing skills, with competitors having to contend with a range of conditions as they cross the Pacific Ocean.

Clipper Round the World Race

Unique in its concept, the Clipper Round the World Race is a two-year event that offers amateur sailors the chance to experience the thrill of circumnavigating the globe. Led by professional skippers, the participants are ordinary people who have undergone training to take on the challenge of the high seas.

Rolex Middle Sea Race

Beginning and ending in Malta, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is a 606 nautical mile adventure that takes competitors around Sicily and the surrounding islands. The race is known for its stunning scenery, tactical challenges, and warm Mediterranean hospitality.

The Barcelona World Race

The Barcelona World Race is a non-stop, round-the-world yacht race designed for sailing duos. It starts and ends in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. This race not only tests the sailing prowess of the participants but also their ability to work seamlessly as a two-person team. It's a thrilling spectacle of teamwork, strategy, and sailing skill.

The Final Buoy: 

A swift journey through the top sailboat races in the world. Each race, with its unique challenges and historical significance, contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the sailing world. From solo voyages like the Vendée Globe that push the limits of human endurance to the test of tactics and teamwork found in the Barcelona World Race, the diversity of these races is a testament to the myriad forms of courage and skill found among sailors.

The races we've discussed span the globe, crossing different seas and oceans. From the Pacific's vast expanse in the Transpacific Yacht Race to the treacherous, unpredictable nature of the Bass Strait in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Yet, despite the diverse locales and sailing conditions, they all share an undercurrent of passion for sailing, adventure, and a desire to push the boundaries of what's possible on the open sea.

Sailboat racing is not just about getting from point A to B the fastest. It's about mastering the elements, navigating by the stars, and becoming one with the wind and sea. It's about the moments of calm when it's just you, your boat, and the endless blue. It's about the rush of adrenaline as you surge with the waves, racing neck-and-neck towards the finish line. But above all, it's about the sailing community, a band of individuals who share a profound respect for the sea and a love for the thrill of sailing.

So, whether you're an experienced sailor feeling the pull of the open sea or a landlubber dreaming of hoisting the sails, remember, there's a whole world of sailboat races out there. Each one offers a unique adventure and a chance to be a part of the rich history and thrilling future of sailing. Until our next nautical journey, may you have fair winds and following seas!

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The Top 10 Most Epic Sailing Races in the World

‍ Key Takeaways

• The world's most epic sailing races challenge competitors with extreme conditions.
• These top 10 sailing events attract participants from experienced professionals.
• The races are not only thrilling for participants but also create memorable experiences.

‍ Are you looking for the top-most epic sailing races in the world? Let’s walk you through races that might strike your fancy and make you want to try.

The best epic sailing races are the Volvo Ocean Race, America's Cup, Barcolana Regatta, Fastnet Race, Vendée Globe, Transpac Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race, Around the Island Race, Cowes Week, and Cape2Rio Yacht Race. These races define sailing's pinnacle of challenge and adventure.

As an avid sailor with decades of firsthand experience and a deep passion for the sport, I've navigated the world's most challenging waters. My expertise and insights into these epic sailing races are rooted in a genuine love for the sea.

Table of contents

‍ The Top Most Epic Sailing Races in World Racing

Sailing races have long captured the imagination of sailors and enthusiasts alike, showcasing the skill, endurance, and prowess of competitors as they navigate some of the world's most challenging waters. Uniting past and present, these epic sailing events not only pay homage to the golden age of sailing but also push the boundaries of modern technology and tactics with breathtaking competition.

As the world's top sailors and vessels gather to partake in these races , fans and spectators are treated to memorable performances on the open seas. These events draw sailors of all levels, from experienced professionals to amateur weekend warriors, all dreaming of triumph in the ultimate tests of skill, strategy, and courage.

Here's a table comparing the key features of the top epic sailing races in the world:

1. The Volvo Ocean Race

The Volvo Ocean Race is one of the most epic sailing races in the world. Spanning nearly 45,000 nautical miles, it tests the stamina and skill of the world's best sailors. With its route incorporating the planet's most challenging waters, this race has a rich history and significance in the realm of sailboat racing.

Race Distance

The Volvo Ocean Race, previously known as the Whitbread Round the World Race, covers a staggering 45,000 nautical miles, making it a sailing marathon on the water. The race is held every three to four years and attracts professional sailors who aim to tackle this grueling course.

Route Challenges

The race route poses a multitude of challenges to participants. From navigating the chilly Southern Ocean to maneuvering around treacherous Cape Horn, sailors face diverse and unforgiving conditions continuously.

Some of the route challenges include:

• Dodging icebergs in the Southern Ocean
• Tackling strong winds and rough seas at Cape Horn
• Enduring the doldrums near the Equator
• Managing tight and tactical routes through the Mediterranean

Historical Significance

The Volvo Ocean Race was initially started in 1973 as the Whitbread Round the World Race and has been held every few years since then. The race is a prestigious event attracting Olympic champions, record-breakers, and pioneers from the sailing world.

The Ocean Race is currently the world's longest and toughest professional sporting event, and winning the race is the ultimate dream for any professional sailor.

One of the most significant aspects of this race is that it pushes endurance and technology to new heights. Innovations in areas like set sail design, navigation, and boat construction are often stimulated by the demands of the race.

2. America's Cup

One of the biggest races on the international sailing calendar, the America's Cup is a test of skill and endurance for sailors. It also showcases technological advancements and human achievement, especially in maritime technology. The race's historical significance and the unique challenges it presents make it one of the most epic sailing races in the world, attracting the best talent and capturing the imagination of sailing enthusiasts worldwide.

The America's Cup is one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world, attracting top talent and showcasing fascinating innovations in yacht design. The race distance varies depending on the specific competition and location, but regardless of the length, it's always a test of skill and endurance for both the defending champion and the challengers.

The America's Cup race route presents numerous challenges for sailors. Changing weather conditions, difficult currents, demanding tactics and maneuvers, as well as the complexity of operating high-performance sailing yachts make this race very demanding.

Each edition offers unique challenges due to the specific venue, but all of them push sailors to their limits, showcasing their expertise and adaptability.

The America's Cup has a rich history dating back to 1851, when it was originally known as the "R.Y.S. £100 Cup." It was first awarded by the Royal Yacht Squadron for a race around the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom, won by a schooner named "America."

As the oldest international sporting trophy, the America's Cup holds a special place in the world of sailing and attracts the best of the best, including notable sailors like Sir Ben Ainslie. As for other sailing events on a global scale, races like the Kiel Week and SailGP Series have their own unique characteristics and challenges.

Each race contributes to the rich tapestry of competitive sailing, but the King’s Cup stands out as the pinnacle of the sport, showcasing the epitome of human achievement and ingenuity in the world of sailboat racing.

Some key facts about the America's Cup and other sailing races include:

• Defender: The current holder of the America's Cup.
• Challenger: The teams contesting the current holder of the America's Cup.
• Kiel Week: A prestigious annual sailing event in Germany that is considered the largest sailing event in the world.
• SailGP Series: A high-speed, global sailing championship featuring cutting-edge technology and intense competition.

3. Barcolana Regatta, Italy

The Barcolana Regatta is a mass start sailing race held annually in early October in the Gulf of Trieste, Italy, since 1969. Over 5000 boats of various sizes participate in the 16-nautical mile course around weather marks and inflatable buoys. What makes Barcelona unique is its record-breaking mass start, where all boats cross the starting line simultaneously, creating a spectacular sight. It is the largest sailboat race in the world by number of participants.

The main race of the Barcolana Regatta is held over a set distance of 16 nautical miles. All boats sail around a rectangular course in the Gulf of Trieste, rounding six weather marks and navigating through a narrow channel in the middle of the race. With over 5000 boats racing simultaneously over this distance, coordination of the mass start and finish is a major logistical challenge for organizers.

The 16-nautical mile course contains several navigational obstacles that add difficulty. Boats must round six designated weather marks in the Gulf while avoiding other vessels in the massive starting fleet. Navigating the narrow channel that splits the course is especially tricky with thousands of boats around.

Historic Significant

The Barcolana Regatta holds the world record for the largest sailing race by number of participants, with over 5000 boats taking part in the mass start each year. When it began in 1969 in Trieste, Italy, its innovative format of a mass simultaneous start for such a huge fleet racing was truly pioneering and helped make the event iconic. Over the past 50+ years, the Barcolana has grown exponentially in scale and popularity, leaving its indelible mark on the sailing calendar.

4. Fastnet Race

The Fastnet Race, also known as the Rolex Fastnet Race , is one of the most iconic and challenging sailing races in the world. This prestigious event, which takes place every two years, attracts sailors from around the globe who dream of tackling its challenging route and making their mark in sailing history.

The Fastnet Race covers a distance of approximately 608 nautical miles, making it a demanding and thrilling experience for participants. Competing yachts must navigate a complex route that includes several strategic waypoints and natural obstacles.

The Fastnet Race is known for its distinctive route, which begins in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and travels along the southern coast of England towards Land's End. It then heads out to the Irish Sea, where competitors must round the legendary Fastnet Rock before heading back towards the finish line in Plymouth.

Some of the key challenges along the route include:

• Navigating the Solent: A notoriously tricky stretch of water, the Solent is filled with strong currents and heavy shipping traffic that can be difficult to maneuver through.
• Tackling Land's End: Rounding this famous headland often presents unpredictable wind and sea conditions that can test even the most experienced sailors.
• Rounding Fastnet Rock: Located 12 miles off the coast of Ireland, Fastnet Rock is both a breathtaking sight and a formidable navigational challenge. Known as the "Teardrop of Ireland," it marks the halfway point of the race and is a notorious spot for strong tides and rough seas.

The Fastnet Race has a rich history dating back to 1925, when it was first organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the New York Yacht Club. Since then, it has grown in popularity and prestige, attracting an increasingly diverse fleet of boats and participants. Today, it is considered one of the most significant offshore races in the world, with sailors from various backgrounds and skill levels taking part in the event.

Notable moments in Fastnet Race history include:

• 1979 Disaster: The 1979 race is remembered for a tragic storm that claimed the lives of 15 sailors . This event led to numerous safety improvements within the sport of sailing, ultimately making offshore races safer for future participants.
• Record-breaking Races: The Rolex Fastnet Race 2023 saw exceptional competition and remarkable performances, with several records being broken throughout the event.

Here’s a table showing the Fastest Finishing Times in Recent Fastnet Races:

5. Vendée Globe

The Vendée Globe is a prestigious single-handed, round-the-world yacht race that takes place every four years. It is known for being one of the most grueling, most challenging sailing races, attracting the best sailors from around the world.

The Vendée Globe covers approximately 24,000 nautical miles, making it one of the longest sailboat races in the world, according to the Guinness World Record. Sailors typically spend about nine months at sea navigating a demanding course that takes them through multiple climate zones and oceans. The race’s solitary nature adds to the challenge, as sailors must rely on their own sailing skills and resilience to endure long periods of isolation and danger.

This table shows the Vendée Globe Race Distance

The Vendée Globe is known for its treacherous route that poses a variety of challenges along the way. Competitors must face the unpredictable weather and treacherous seas of the Southern Ocean, which circles the three capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn.

They also sail through the notoriously dangerous waters of the North and South Atlantic Oceans, often dealing with intense storms and rapidly challenging conditions.

The Vendée Globe race was first held in 1989-1990, inspired by the 1968 Golden Globe race. The race has since grown in popularity, with each edition drawing more competitors and spectators. With its challenging course and demanding conditions, the Vendée Globe has earned the title of the "world's toughest sailing race" .

Competitors in the race have reached remarkable milestones and set new records for sailing accomplishments, such as the fastest circumnavigation or the highest number of consecutive race completions.

In the race's history, there have been numerous stories of heroism and camaraderie among the sailors. For instance, in the 2020 race, the eventual winner Yannick Bestaven was awarded time redress for his role in the rescue of fellow competitor Kevin Escoffier , demonstrating that even in the harshest of conditions, human connections and shared experiences remain at the heart of the sailing community.

6. Transpac Race

The Transpac Race is a prestigious and challenging sailing season event in the world. It offers participants a chance to test their skills and resolve against the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

The Transpacific Yacht Race, commonly known as the Transpac, covers an impressive distance of approximately 2,225 nautical miles. This long journey begins from San Pedro near Los Angeles, California, and ends at Diamond Head, just off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii. Sailing across the Pacific Ocean is a true test of endurance and strategy for all participants.

The Transpac presents a variety of daunting challenges for sailors, including:

• Trade Winds: Competitors must navigate through the North Pacific High, a region of high atmospheric pressure that results in light and variable winds. This can be a significant barrier to progress as finding optimum wind conditions becomes crucial.
• Weather Systems: Sailors may encounter unpredictable shifts in weather conditions. Tropical storms or Pacific cyclones can develop, and participants have to be prepared to adapt their strategies accordingly.
• Ocean Currents: Ocean currents, such as the California Current and North Equatorial Current, can either aid or hinder progress. It is essential for sailors to understand these currents and their effects on the race.

Since its inception in 1906, the Transpac has showcased the resilience and determination of sailors from around the world. Among its notable achievements are:

• Fastest Finishes: In 2017, two records were broken. The ORMA 60 trimaran, Mighty Merloe, set the fully crewed multi-hull elapsed time record at four days, 6 hours, 32 minutes, and 30 seconds . Additionally, the monohull yacht Comanche established a new fully crewed monohull elapsed time record of 5 days, 1 hour, 55 minutes, and 26 seconds.
• Long-Standing Participants: Certain individuals have exhibited remarkable dedication to the race. Roy P. Disney and Gary Weisman each participated in 25 Transpac match races between 1969 and 2021.
• Youthful Vigor: The youngest crew members to participate in the Transpac were Larry Folsom Jr. (11 years and 35 days old) in 1975 and Virginia Munsey (11 years and 42 days old) in 1957.

7. Rolex Middle Sea Race

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is undoubtedly one of the most epic sailing races in the world. This prestigious, classic yacht race features a diverse range of sailing conditions, presenting unique challenges for participating sailors and their high-tech racing yachts. The race has a prestigious history and is considered a favorite among sailing enthusiasts.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race consists of a 606-nautical mile (1,122 km) course, testing sailors' abilities, endurance, and navigational skills. The race, therefore, stands out as a rigorous test of sailing prowess and a true adventure for those daring enough to join the challenge.

One of the most captivating aspects of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is its diverse and challenging route. The race starts and finishes in the historic Grand Harbour of Malta and navigates around the world's beautiful Mediterranean Sea, featuring some of the most stunning vistas this region has to offer.

The race takes sailors around Sicily, through the Strait of Messina, around the volcanic Aeolian Islands, past Pantelleria and Lampedusa before the final stretch back to Malta. Sailors in this race encounter numerous navigational challenges, such as unpredictable weather patterns, narrow passages, and strong currents.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race was first established in 1968 by a group of passionate yachtsmen residing in Malta. Over the years, the race has grown in stature and now enjoys international recognition for its unique course and testing nature. Today, it attracts elite sailors from around the globe, contributing to Malta's rich sailing heritage.

8. Around the Island Race (Isle of Wight)

The Around the Island Race is an epic sailing race that captivates participants and spectators alike. The Isle of Wight's multifaceted coastline offers thrilling challenges to sailors while also showcasing the beautiful scenery and rich history of the region.

The annual Round the Island Race is a popular one-day sailing event, taking place around the beautiful Isle of Wight, located off the south coast of England. This thrilling competition tests over 1,200 boats and around 10,000 sailors on a course that spans approximately 50 nautical miles (93 km). It stands as one of the largest yacht races globally, as well as the fourth largest participation biennial event in the UK.

As competitors make their way around the island, they encounter a range of route challenges:

• Tide: Knowledge of tidal currents is crucial for a successful performance, as they can either positively or negatively impact a boat's speed.
• Wind: The Isle of Wight's varying coastline requires elite and amateur sailors to master quick changes in wind direction and strength.
• Navigation: Keeping a safe distance from other boats and hazards, like hidden rocks, is essential to avoid collisions or damage.

The first race, Round the Island Race, took place in 1931, and since then, it has grown in popularity and prestige. Held annually in Cowes, the race is organized by the well-respected Island Sailing Club. Cowes Week, an iconic sailing event in the UK, combines tradition with modernity and welcomes all levels of sailors to take part.

9. Cowes Week

The Cowes Week is a prestigious annual sailing regatta held in Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, since 1826. It is one of the oldest and largest yachting events in the world, featuring races over seven days for around 1000 boats of various classes. Cowes Week is known for its lively social scene and the opportunity to watch top-level sailing from the shore.

The races held during Cowes Week cover various distances depending on the boat class, ranging from short windward-leeward courses up to 50 nautical miles. The exact distances change each year depending on weather and tide conditions.

The narrow tidal channels between the Isle of Wight's mainland and surrounding islands present a navigation challenge for sailors. Strong currents, shallow waters, and numerous hazards require precise boat handling and route planning to complete the courses safely within the tidal windows.

Historic Significance

As one of the oldest regattas still held today, Cowes Week has historical significance as the forerunner of modern yacht racing. It helped establish Cowes and the Isle of Wight as a global hub for sailing and yachting in the 19th century. Many famous races and innovations occurred here that shaped the sport.

10. Cape2Rio Yacht Race

The Cape2Rio Yacht Race is a prestigious and challenging sailing event that has attracted participants and spectators worldwide over the past 50 years. This race tests the sailors' endurance and navigational skills as they face unpredictable weather conditions and rough seas on their journey from Cape Town, South Africa, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Cape2Rio Yacht Race covers a total distance of approximately 3,600 nautical miles, making it one of the longest yacht races in the Southern Atlantic. This race is a true testament to the abilities of the sailors and the seaworthiness of their vessels, taking roughly 14 to 21 days to complete, depending on the weather conditions and boat performance.

The race route presents several challenges for the sailors, who must navigate their way through various obstacles, including

• The unpredictable and powerful South Atlantic High is a high-pressure system that generates strong winds and heavy swells.
• The infamous Cape of Good Hope is known for its treacherous waters, strong currents, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
• The Benguella Current is a cold water current running from Antarctica that can cause hazardous sea states when it encounters opposing winds.
• The doldrums are an equatorial region characterized by light winds and intense heat, which can test the sailors' patience and stamina.

Since its inception in 1971, the Cape2Rio Yacht Race has a rich history and has seen the participation of some of the world’s most renowned sailors. The race has witnessed remarkable moments and evolved over time as new vessels, innovations, and navigation techniques have taken center stage.

Some notable historical achievements in the race include

• The all-female team aboard Maiden made history in 1989 by proving that women sailors compete at the highest level of yacht racing in different styles, paving the way for future female sailors
• The victory of the development crew from the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy, who were sponsored by Alexforbes, made a significant impact on the race and yacht racing community in South Africa.
• It has also surpassed the Hobart Yacht race as one of the most popular sailing races in the southern hemisphere.

Stories that Define Epic Sailing Races

Sailing races are not just about navigating the open sea; they are also about the incredible stories and moments that unfold during these epic adventures.

1. A Race Against Nature

One of the most heart-pounding aspects of sailing races is the unpredictability of the open ocean. We'll share stories of high-stakes rescues where sailors found themselves in dire straits, battling ferocious storms and treacherous conditions. Discover how the camaraderie among competitors often transcends rivalry when lives are on the line.

2. Pushing the Limits

Sailing races have a rich history of record-breaking performances that leave us in awe. We'll explore the jaw-dropping achievements of sailors who pushed the limits of what's possible. From circumnavigating the globe in record time to achieving mind-boggling speeds, these moments of triumph remind us of the boundless human spirit.

3. Legendary Comebacks

In the world of sailing, setbacks are common, but it's the comebacks that truly inspire. We'll recount stories of sailors who faced seemingly insurmountable challenges only to rally and make epic comebacks. These tales of resilience and determination serve as powerful reminders that in sailing, as in life, you should never give up.

4. Photo Finishes

Sailing races often culminate in thrilling photo finishes that keep spectators on the edge of their seats. We'll take you through heart-pounding moments when victory was decided by mere seconds or inches. These races are a testament to the skill, strategy, and nerve required to compete at the highest level.

5. Plot Twists at Sea

No sailing race is complete without a few unexpected plot twists. We'll recount stories of races where unforeseen events turned the tide of sailing competition. Whether it's a sudden shift in the wind, a collision with marine life, or a strategic gamble paying off, these twists add technical elements of suspense and excitement to the races.

Jacob Collier

Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.

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3 Months And 24,000 Miles Later, Vendée Globe Competitors Complete Race

Eleanor Beardsley

After sailing 24,000 miles nonstop in a nearly three-month journey, competitors in the Vendée Globe — an around-the-world solo yacht race — are expected to finish at a French port on Wednesday.

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Who is Kirsten Neuschäfer and Where is She Sailing?

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA women on the water

The Golden Globe Race is currently winding down, and the sailors are headed back to Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. In fact, they are a few days out from returning.  The race is fairly basic in nature as it began in  Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, on September 4th, 2022, and the contestants sail solo, non-stop, around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Les Sables-d’Olonne.  The Golden Globe Race is a true test of endurance, skill, and courage.  The challenges faced by the sailors are what make this race so unique and revered. 

16 sailors began and currently, 3 are left.

One of them is Kirsten Neuschäfer.

Who is Kirsten Neuschäfer?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kirsten Neuschafer (@kirstenggr)

Kirsten has been a sailor since childhood, but turned it into a profession in 2006. From boat deliveries to crewing she built a diverse set of skills in the sailing arena.  Before the Golden Globe Race in 2018, Kirsten’s longest solo sailing trip was a delivery from Portugal to South Africa on an old and maintenance-intensive 32-foot ferro-cement sloop, using only a wind-vane for self-steering.

She joined Skip Novak’s Pelagic Expeditions and sailed the crew to South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula, Patagonia, and the Falklands, to capture the beauty of the Antarctic for National Geographic and the BBC. Kirsten has also embarked on other solo adventures, such as cycling from Europe back home to South Africa. Her current challenge is the Golden Globe Race 2022.

Kirsten Neuschäfer was awarded the Rod Stephens Seamanship Trophy for playing a pivotal role in the successful rescue of a fellow 2022 Golden Globe Race competitor, Tapio Lehtinen.

Find out more about Kirsten on her website: https://kirstenggr.com/

What is The Golden Globe Race

The Golden Globe Race is a solo, nonstop yacht race around the world with no assistance and without the use of modern technology. The original Golden Globe Race was the first race around the world solo without stops or any outside assistance. The race was organized by the Sunday Times newspaper in Great Britain and was held in 1968. The race was inspired by Sir Francis Chichester’s successful single-handed circumnavigation of the globe in his yacht Gipsy Moth IV.

A Few Facts About The Golden Globe Race:

• Entrants are limited to sailing similar yachts and equipment to what was available to Sir Robin in that first race.
• Competitors must sail in production boats between 32ft and 36ft overall (9.75 – 10.97m) designed prior to 1988 that have a full-length keel with a rudder attached to their trailing edge.
• The challenge is pure and very raw, placing adventure ahead of winning at all costs.
• Competitors will be navigating with sextant only.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Golden Globe Race (@goldengloberace)

The 1968 Golden Globe Race was won by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who completed the race in just over 312 days. The race has been reborn with a round-the-world race held in 2018, attempting to capture the nature of those early intrepid sailors. The 2018 event was a success, inspiring the current edition in September 2022.

The Golden Globe Race is one of the most challenging sailing races in the world. The sailors must navigate their way around the world without any outside assistance and without using modern technology such as GPS or satellite phones. They must rely on traditional navigation methods such as sextants and paper charts. The sailors must also deal with extreme weather conditions such as storms and high seas. They must be self-sufficient for months at a time, carrying all their food and supplies on board their yachts.

Track the race at their website: https://goldengloberace.com/

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Alone on the Ocean, With 400,000 Friends

As Cole Brauer sped to the finish of a solo race around the world, she used Instagram to blow up sailing’s elitist image.

Before she could begin the Global Solo Challenge, a nonstop solo race around the world, Cole Brauer had to sail First Light, a 40-foot yacht, from Rhode Island to Spain. Credit... Samuel Hodges

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By Chris Museler

• Published Feb. 29, 2024 Updated March 7, 2024

Video dinner parties, spa days, stuffed animals, favorite hoodies and cozy, colorful fleece blankets. Cole Brauer’s Instagram feed hardly feels like the work of someone racing a 40-foot sailboat around the world in the Global Solo Challenge. But Ms. Brauer, 29, is not an average ocean racer.

In 2022, Ms. Brauer had tried out for another competition, the Ocean Race, which is considered the pinnacle of professional ocean racing. Sailors in that race are highly trained, wear matching foul weather gear and have corporate sponsors. And most of them are men. Ms. Brauer, who had sailed thousands of miles on high performance ocean racing boats, felt she was ready to join their ranks.

But after competing in trials in France, Ms. Brauer was told she was “too short for the Southern Ocean” and was sent on her way.

In spite of her small stature — she stands 5 feet 1 inch — Ms. Brauer rounded Cape Horn, Chile, on Jan. 26, the last of the three great capes of her journey to finish the Global Solo Challenge. It is a feat most of the Ocean Race sailors picked instead of her have never even attempted. And despite being the youngest competitor in the race, she is ranked second overall, just days away from reaching the finish line in A Coruña, Spain.

Along the way, her tearful reports of breakages and failures, awe-struck moments during fiery sunrises, dance parties and “shakas” signs at the end of each video have garnered her a following that has eclipsed any sailor’s or sailing event’s online, even the Ocean Race and the America’s Cup, a prestigious race that is more well known by mainstream audiences.

“I’m so happy to have rounded the Horn,” Ms. Brauer said in a video call from her boat, First Light, after a morning spent sponging out endless condensation and mildew from its bilges. “It feels like Day 1. I feel reborn knowing I’ll be in warmer weather. The depression you feel that no one in the world can fix that. Your house is trying to sink and you can’t stop it.”

Shifting gears, she added, “It’s all getting better.”

Ms. Brauer’s rise in popularity — she has more than 400,000 followers on Instagram — has come as a surprise to her, but her achievements, combined with her bright personality, have struck a chord. And she has set a goal of using her platform to change the image of professional ocean sailing.

“Cole wants to prove you can go around the world and watch Netflix every once in a while and wear your pajamas,” said Lydia Mullan, Ms. Brauer’s media manager. “As for her mental health, she’s really creating a space in her routine for herself, to create that joy she hasn’t seen in other sailors.”

Four months after she began the Global Solo Challenge, a solo, nonstop race around the world featuring sailboats of different sizes, Ms. Brauer is holding strong. Sixteen sailors began the journey and only eight remain on the ocean, with the Frenchman Philippe Delamare having finished first on Feb. 24 after 147 days at sea.

Ms. Brauer, who was more than a week ahead of her next closest competitor as of Thursday morning, is on track to set a speed record for her boat class, and to be the first American woman to complete a solo, nonstop sailing race around the world.

Her Authentic Self

Ms. Brauer has been happy to turn the image of a professional sailor on its head. Competitors in the Ocean Race and the America’s Cup tend to pose for static social media posts with their arms crossed high on their chests, throwing stern glares. Ms. Brauer would rather be more comfortable.

She brought objects like fleece blankets on her journey, despite the additional weight, and said solo sailing has helped give her the freedom to be herself.

“Without those things I would be homesick and miserable,” she said of her supply list. “We need comfort to be human. Doing my nails. Flossing. It’s hard for the general public to reach pro sailors. People stop watching. If you treat people below you, people stop watching.”

Other female sailors have noticed the same disconnect. “The year I did the Vendée Globe, Michel Desjoyeaux didn’t mention that anything went wrong,” Dee Caffari, a mentor of Ms. Brauer’s who has sailed around the world six times, said of that race’s winner. “Then we saw his jobs list after the finish and we realized he was human.”

Ms. Brauer, as her social media followers can attest, is decidedly human.

They have gotten used to her “hangout” clothes and rock-out sessions. Her team produces “Tracker Tuesdays,” where a weather forecaster explains the routes Ms. Brauer chooses and why she uses different sails, and “Shore Team Sunday,” where team members are introduced.

“In the beginning I looked at what she was doing, posting about washing her knickers in bucket and I was like, ‘No! What are you doing?’” Ms. Caffari said. “I’ve been so professional and corporate in my career. She’s been so authentic and taken everyone around the world with her. Cole is that next generation of sailor. They tell their story in a different way and it’s working.”

Finding a Purpose

Ms. Brauer was introduced to sailing at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Those days of casual racing on the turquoise waters of Kaneohe Bay informed her vision of an inclusive sailing community. That image was shattered when she came to the mainland to try her hand at professional sailing.

“When I came to the East Coast it was so closed off,” she said of those early experiences. “I couldn’t get a job in the industry. Pro sailors were jaded. They didn’t want anyone to take their job. It’s a gig-based economy. Competition, we’re pinned against each other, especially women in high-performance sailing since there are fewer of us.”

“This whole process of being a pro sailor over the past five years, I feel mentally punched in the face and my legs kicked out from under me,” she added. “I screamed and I cried. Without those experiences I wouldn’t be as mentally tough. It made me callused.”

A big break happened when she landed a gig as boat captain for Michael Hennessy’s successful Class40 Dragon. The boat was a perfect platform to hone her ocean sailing skills as she ripped up and down the East Coast delivering it to races, often alone, pushing Dragon to its limits. Her Instagram posts of those adventures drew attention, and she was invited to tryout for the Ocean Race, a fully crewed race around the world in powerful 65-footers.

“I was crushed,” Ms. Brauer said of being rejected after the trials.

Ms. Brauer, though, found a new purpose. After months of living in her van and working on Dragon, she found a benefactor in F.K. Day, the president of World Bicycle Relief and the executive vice president of SRAM Corporation, who, along with his brother Lincoln, agreed to buy a boat and fund a massive refit for the Global Solo Challenge, which was only three months away.

Conducting the hurricane of activity last summer in Newport, R.I., Ms. Brauer knew this was her moment to shine. But representatives for her new sponsors had reservations about her bold social media experiment.

“I got a massive pushback: ‘How can you be so vain. This isn’t important. We don’t want to pay for this,’” she said. “I said none of this is going to matter if the world can’t see it.”

Her boat was covered with cameras her shore team could monitor, with technology allowing for constant recording that could be used to capture unexpected twists. Ms. Brauer got some immediate traction, but nothing prepared her for the numbers she would hit once the race began.

“We were taking bets in Spain,” said Ms. Brauer, who had to sail First Light nearly 3,000 miles from Newport to Spain as a qualifier for the race. “There was a photo of me excited we hit 10,000 followers. Ten thousand for a little race? That’s massive.”

A few months later she has 40 times that count.

A Dangerous Journey

Only a handful of solo ocean racers have been American, all of whom being male. Now Ms. Brauer has a larger following than any of them, pushing far beyond the typical reach of her sport.

“This is a really good case study,” says Marcus Hutchinson, a project manager for ocean racing teams. “For me she’s an influencer. She’s a Kardashian. People will be looking for her to promote a product. She doesn’t need to worry about what the American sailors think. That’s parochial. She has to split with the American environment.”

Unlike her peers, Ms. Brauer is happy to do some extracurricular work along the way toward goals like competing in the prestigious Vendée Globe. “I’m part of the social media generation,” she said. “It’s not a burden to me.”

The playful videos and colorful backdrop, though, can make it easy for her followers to forget that she is in the middle of a dangerous race. Half her competitors in the Global Solo Challenge have pulled out, and ocean races still claim lives, particularly in the violent, frigid storms of the Southern Ocean.

“She was apprehensive,” Ms. Caffari said of Ms. Brauer’s rounding Cape Horn. “I told her: ‘You were devastated that you didn’t get on the Ocean Race. Now look at you. Those sailors didn’t even get to go to the Southern Ocean.’”

The question now is how Ms. Brauer will retain her followers’ desire for content after the race is over.

“She will be unaware of the transition she went through,” Mr. Hutchinson said. “She’s become a celebrity and hasn’t really realized it.”

Ms. Brauer, however, said she received as much from her followers as she gave them.

“They are so loving,” she said. “I send a photo of a sunset, and they paint watercolors of the scene to sell and raise money for the campaign. When I start to feel down, they let me stand on their shoulders.”

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Maine's Cole Brauer becomes first American woman to race sailboat alone and nonstop around world

The 29-year-old boothbay resident and new york native was one of more than a dozen sailors competing in the global solo challenge, published march 8, 2024 • updated on march 8, 2024 at 10:33 am.

Alone, Cole Brauer braved three oceans and the elements as she navigated her sailboat for months.

When she and her 40-foot sailboat arrived Thursday in A Coruna, Spain, the 29-year-old Boothbay, Maine, resident and New York native became the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself, traveling across about 30,000 miles.

Brauer, all 5-foot-2 and 100 pounds of her, is one of more than a dozen sailors competing in the Global Solo Challenge. Brauer was the youngest and only woman in the group that set sail in October from A Coruna.

The starts were staggered. Brauer took off Oct. 29. As of Thursday, some in the field had dropped out of the race.

The race took Brauer south along the west coast of Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope and then eastward toward Australia. From there, she continued east where Brauer faced the unpredictable, treacherous and deadly Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America before continuing northeast across the Atlantic Ocean toward Spain.

The race took her 130 days to complete.

“This is really cool and so overwhelming in every sense of the word,”  NBC News reported  Brauer saying before drinking Champagne from her trophy Thursday while being celebrated by family and fans.

While Brauer is the first American woman to circumnavigate the globe alone by sea, she is not first woman to do so. Polish sailor Krystina Chojnowska-Liskiewicz finished her 401-day voyage around the globe on April 21, 1978, according to  online sailing sites .

Kay Cottee of Australia was the first woman to achieve the feat nonstop, sailing off from Sydney Harbor in Australia in November 1987 and returning 189 days later.

The global voyage is not an easy one, even on a vessel with a full crew.

“Solo sailors, you have to be able to do everything,” Brauer  told the NBC “Today” show  Thursday. “You need to be able to take care of yourself. You need to be able to get up, even when you’re so exhausted. And you have to be able to fix everything on the boat.”

Satellite communications allowed Brauer to stay in touch with her racing team and connect with fans on social media, where she posted videos from the race and her boat, “First Light.”

Along the way she encountered 30-foot waves that tossed her about the boat, according to NBC News.

She injured a rib and even gave herself an IV to fend off dehydration.

Sailing solo means not just being a skipper but a project manager, said Marco Nannini, the race’s organizer. That means steering the vessel, making repairs, knowing the weather and keeping yourself healthy, he said.

“The biggest asset is your mental strength, not the physical one,” Nannini said. “Cole is showing everyone that.”

One of Brauer’s social media posts from Dec. 8 showed her frustration.

“I haven’t really had the bandwidth to get into everything that’s been going on the past 48 hours, but the short version is the autopilot has been acting up again and I needed to replace some parts and do a rudder recalibration,” she wrote. “For once the light air is actually helping, but it’s been exhausting, and I’m sore and tired.”

“It’s all part of the journey, and I’m sure I’ll be feeling better once the work is done and I’ve gotten some sleep,” Brauer added. “But right now things are tough.”

But she’s handled the tough, even though some in the sport believed it wouldn’t be possible due to her gender and small frame.

“I push so much harder when someone’s like, ‘no, you can’t do that,’ or ‘you’re too small,’” Brauer said.

“It would be amazing if there was just one other girl that saw me and said ‘Oh, I can do that, too,’” she added.

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