Fifteen of the 26 McIntyre GGR entrants meet for the first time in Les Sables d’Olonne during a two-day conference. 

• 240,000 people visited Les Sables d’Olonne for the start of the 2022 GGR. Ulysses the Greek Sailor who looks out to sea from the shores of Les Sables d’Olonne was the venue for Golden Globe ENTRANTS to extend an invitation to the world, to visit Les Sables d’Olonne for the start of this fourth GGR on Sunday 6^th Sept 2026!  
• NO start gun! The McIntyre GGR start will move back in time to 1968, in the same way the original nine sailors raced the clock and themselves for Glory! 
• Pre-start Race village in doubt, but a GGR pavilion with displays, daily poster signing and an open marina free for visitors to meet the skippers, chat and grab a selfie. Or simply be amazed by these “Classic” small yachts with a big heart, open every day starting 22^nd August 2026. 
• A “Solo Sailing Safety and Heavy Weather Tactics” symposium, open to all sailors is scheduled for Les Sables d’Olonne three days before the GGR starts on Wednesday 2^nd Sept. 2026.  

The mood of McIntyre Golden Globe entrants and managers who met for the first time over two days in Les Sables d’Olonne was a mix of excitement, emotion and pure passion. There was an air of urgency and apprehension for some. For the first time it hit all in attendance that this grand adventure is really happening, and soon! The sailors from 13 countries are all at different stages of preparedness. Some busy in refit or sailing could only attend by Zoom. There were many questions amongst each other, with the organisers and within themselves! Already nine of the original entrants have withdrawn their entry, beaten by time and money. The 26 remaining look strong, but it is still a battle to meet the strict qualifying and training requirements in this initial “Race to the Start”. 

“It is very exciting to see the calibre and diverse nature of this group of enthusiastic sailors out to prove something to themselves” said Don McIntyre, Founder and Race Director of the GGR. “The bond between them is developing and while the conversations were thick, fast and fun over the past two days, not many mentioned the word fear. Each is processing what lay ahead in different ways. They are all coming at it with the knowledge and experience gleaned from three previous editions of the GGR. Only 21% of those sailors made it to the finish. The GGR is a gruelling mind game of attrition without comparison, and it has started already! “    

In 2014 Don McIntyre coined a now well-known GGR phrase, not usually heard in yacht racing.  “It’s all about the stories, human stories” Now adopted by other events, it started at the launch of the 50^th anniversary edition of the Sunday Times Golden Globe. It highlighted the fact that it was not money, satellites, technology or computers driving GGR Yachts around the world. It was one HUMAN, and sextants, paper charts, radios and cassette music tapes being part of the game. This ethos still holds true 11 years later. Most importantly the GGR is the only solo race around the world that absolutely allows no outside assistance. 

The Sunday Times Golden Globe in 1968 was the first ever yacht race around the world. Like that first edition with nine bigger than life characters, this fourth 2026 edition is loaded with real sailors and colourful back stories. No longer are they simply white-haired old men or dreamers!  For the first time two women are up for the challenge, 34-year-old Helga Marie (MARA) from Norway and 44-Year-old film maker Olivia Wyatt from America. 

42 yo professional sailor Damien Guillou from France has his sights firmly fixed on repeating Jean Luc Van Den Heed’s 2018 GGR victory, returning the GOLDEN GLOBE to France from South Africa, won in 2022 by Kirsten Neuschäfer. Damien was forced out of the 2022 edition in Cape Town when his Rustler 36 PRB experienced windvane failure. 

20-year-old French sailor Louis Kerdelhué is training hard on his Biscay 36 Nuri. Recently graduated from University, he now sails full time and is about to announce his title sponsor in the weeks ahead. 73-year-old Edward Walentynowicz from Canada, is the old man of the fleet and has white hair!!  He has sailed his Rustler 36 20,000 miles during five solo transatlantic voyages in the past few years training for the GGR. He will complete the 6^th sailing to the start next year. 

34-year-old Daniel Pinsky from Israel, is the latest to join the GGR. He had been cruising the Atlantic and Med for eight years. By chance he bumped into  Louis Kerdelhué on a marina in Portugal. Louis was out training and had just completed another solo ocean voyage. Daniel was so inspired by the young sailor; he immediately sold his boat, bought a Baba 35 in America and entered the GGR! 

Historic Start back to 1968.

In the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe there was no start gun! The nine entrants could start any time between June 1^st and October 31^st. The fastest time around the world would receive a £ 5000 prize (£140,000 in 2025) They raced against themselves and the clock! So, it is that we return to history. There will be no start gun for the 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe. Entrants will depart in line from the Vendee marina at three-minute intervals. They will motor down the famous Les Sables d’Olonne river at three knots to the cheer of spectators wishing them farewell and safe return. When abeam the end of the starboard break water lighthouse they cross the start time and set sail for Les Sables d’Olonne via Cape Horn! Just like in 1968 the fastest time wins. 

No GGR 2026 Village for now? 

Unlike 2018 and 2022, the usual GGR village is not planned for this 2026 edition (Unless a title sponsor budget is found). A GGR Pavilion will be established at the public entrance of the Vendee Marina. This will provide all the usual information and displays telling the McIntyre Golden Globe story. Detailed Information boards introducing all entrants and their yachts, and the adventure ahead will be set up around the perimeter of the marina and opposite each classic yacht. Daily poster signing and open boats sessions, as well as official welcome and farewell events are planned. International fans will be able to follow the Les Sables d’Olonne final buildup to the start with multiple daily LIVE Reports and interviews simultaneously in English and French on GGR Facebook and YouTube.   

 McIntyre GGR “Solo Sailing Safety and Heavy Weather Tactics” Symposium.

 A “Solo Sailing Safety and Heavy Weather Tactics” full day GGR symposium and dinner is open to all sailors and non-sailors. It’s scheduled for Wednesday 2^nd Sept. 2026, three days before the start of the GGR. Details announced in April 2026. It will feature among other things, past and present GGR entrants and well-known solo sailors and survivors in first person presentations, panel discussions, forums and Q&A sessions. The heavy weather report authored by Golden Globe Patron Sir Robin Knox-Johnston after the loss of four boats and numerous dismasting’s in the 2018 GGR will be discussed, as will the loss of three yachts in the 2022 edition. Safety incidents in the 2023 McIntyre Ocean Globe Race and 2025 McIntyre Mini Globe Race will be discussed. Solo sailing equipment and safety gear will be on display and discussed. 

Starts From Les Sables d’Olonne On 6 September 2026

Non-stop around the world, single-handed, without electronics

In 1968, nine skippers set sail on the first solo, non-stop race around the world. After 313 days, only one sailor succeeded in completing the feat of circumnavigating the globe: Robin Knox-Johnston, who, at the age of 29, became the first man to accomplish what many considered impossible.

Another skipper became legendary during this first edition: Bernard Moitessier.

After rounding Cape Horn, while leading the race on his boat “Joshua,” he decided not to cross the finish line and continued on toward the Indian Ocean “to save his soul.” He sailed around the world one and a half times without stopping to reach the tranquility of the islands and wrote “The Long Way,” the book that continues to inspire so many adventurers.

In 1989, a new solo, non-stop round-the-world race was organised: the Vendée Globe.

2018 – 50 YEARS LATER

In 2018, 50 years after the first edition, Don McIntyre decided to revive the Golden Globe Race, and naturally turned to the town of Vendée Globe.

The project seemed crazy: a solo, non-stop round-the-world race, under the same conditions as in 1968.

No technology on board, navigation by sextant, on boats similar to Suhaili, Sir Robin’s 32-foot vessel. Mayor Yannick Moreau saw it as the ancestor of the Vendée Globe, a complementary event to the Everest of the seas, and decided to host the race.

Eighteen sailors of thirteen nationalities set sail with one goal: to beat Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s record of 312 days and thus make history. Only five participants will finish the race.

Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, one of the world’s greatest sailors, holds the record. At the age of 73, it was Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, skipper from Les Sables d’Olonne, who achieved the feat and won the 2018 Golden Globe Race.

With six circumnavigations of the globe under his belt, this “wolf of the seas” set a record, which he still holds, by completing the GGR in 211 days.

2022 – 2023

In 2022, 16 adventurers set sail from Les Sables d’Olonne for the third edition of the GGR. Tens of thousands of spectators gathered on the channel to cheer them on.

The race was followed around the world, and after 235 days at sea, Kirsten Neuschäfer crossed the finish line in first place.

A new legend is born: she becomes the first woman to win a solo round-the-world sailing race. Only three participants will finish the race.

Extreme and demanding, the GGR has earned its stripes and is now one of the must-see offshore races.
Kirsten has been recognised around the world for her performance in the GGR.

Awards

• Rod Stephens Seamanship Trophy (Cruising Club of America) 2022: for her role in rescuing sailor Tapio Lehtinen, whose boat sank during the Golden Globe Race.
• Blue Water Medal (Cruising Club of America) 2023: in recognition of her perseverance, skill, and 235 days of sailing during the Golden Globe Race.
• Rolex World Sailor of the Year (female) – World Sailing Awards 2023: for her achievement in the Golden Globe Race, including the rescue, and for demonstrating exceptional performance.
• Seamaster Award (boot Düsseldorf) 2024: award for her “historic performance” – her victory in the Golden Globe.
• Cape Horn Award (Trans-Ocean, Bobby Schenk Prize) 2023: for her achievement in the Golden Globe Race, including rounding the capes and her rescue.
• The Duchess of Kent Trophy (Cruising Association) presented in January 2025: in recognition of her historic victory in the Golden Globe and the rescue of Tapio Lehtinen.
• SA Sports Awards – Sportswoman of the Year (South Africa) 2024: Kirsten is named “Sportswoman of the Year” in the SA Sports Awards.

The Longest Sports Event In The World

The route, starting and finishing in Les Sables-d’Olonne, covers more than 30,000 nautical miles and requires competitors to round the three legendary capes of navigation: the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn. Competitors spend long months at sea, between 200 and 300 days without interruption, in extreme conditions, making this adventure a true test of endurance, resilience, and solitude.

Highlights of the 2022 edition

• In 2022, Kirsten Neuschäfer became the first woman to win, after 235 days at sea.
• A shipwreck and a heroic rescue: Finnish sailor Tapio Lehtinen saw his sailboat sink in the Indian Ocean. He was rescued by Kirsten Neuschäfer, who was also competing in the race, before being transferred to a cargo ship.
• A spectacular grounding: American Guy deBoer ran aground at night on the rocks off
  Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. He was rescued in the early hours of the morning by the Spanish rescue services.
• A stormy dismasting: Briton Ian Herbert-Jones faced a violent storm in the Southern Ocean. His sailboat was rolled, dismasted, and severely damaged. Slightly injured, he was rescued by a Taiwanese fishing vessel.

Worldwide Media Coverage For Les Sables D’olonne

• International media coverage for the image of Les Sables d’Olonne, valued at €3.6 million in 32 different countries.
• A total of 240,000 visitors were welcomed to Les Sables d’Olonne, in the village, during the start and highlights of the race.
• An event that confirms Les Sables d’Olonne as the capital of solo ocean racing and consolidates the city’s position as the home of the Vendée Globe.

The Rules

Qualification

• To take part, it’s a race for miles: each participant must demonstrate experience, with a minimum of 8,000 miles sailed offshore, 2,000 miles sailed solo on any boat, and 4,000 miles sailed solo aboard their own GGR sailboat, under race conditions, without technology.

During the Race

• The 2022 Golden Globe Race requires all competitors to use nautical charts. No satellite navigation aids. No electronic instruments or autopilots.
• To participate in the race, boats must measure between 32 and 36 feet, be constructed of reinforced polyester, at least 20 produced from the same mould, have a long keel with a rudder attached to the trailing edge, and have a minimum displacement of 6,200 kg.
• Skippers must keep a handwritten logbook.

A unique, pure and tough challenge: a return to the golden age of solo sailing. A tribute to the traditional values of sailing.

Follow The Adventure

Competitors must bring cameras, satellite phones, and video cameras, which will be strictly controlled for the sole purpose of providing updates and allowing us to follow their adventure.

• Equipment allowed on board: digital cameras and drones WITHOUT GPS. Images will be collected at the following drop-off points: Canary Islands: 20 minutes, Hobart Gate: 1 hour, and end of race: 90 minutes.
• In addition to weekly safety briefings, two weekly interviews will be organized by satellite phone with any accredited media, each lasting 20 minutes.

27 Entrants, 13 Nationalities

Renowned skippers such as France’s Damien Guillou, one of the favourites in the previous edition, and Australia’s Mike Smith, determined to succeed in his third attempt.

The race will also welcome the first participant from “Generation Z,” 21-year-old Frenchman Louis Kerdelhué, as well as two young female sailors who would like to follow in the footsteps of Kirsten Neuschäfer.

Focus Skippers

Les Sables d’Olonne: Capital Of Solo Ocean Racing

For decades, the town has hosted iconic races, attracting sailors, enthusiasts, and international media.
The most famous of these races, the Vendée Globe, attracted more than 1.3 million visitors to Les Sables d’Olonne a few months ago.

The Mini Transat village is currently bringing the Place du Vendée Globe to life. This solo, unassisted transatlantic race on 6.50m sailboats is a veritable breeding ground for champions. The greatest skippers of the Vendée Globe have taken part in this race. The start from Les Sables d’Olonne to Guadeloupe will be given on September 21, 2025.

The city is also preparing to host the Vendée Arctique in June 2026. This race, which crosses the icy waters of the Arctic Circle, challenges sailors in extreme conditions, offering a taste of the difficulties of circumnavigating the globe.

Another qualifying race: the New York Vendée Les Sables, a real sprint across the North Atlantic. The crossing, known to be demanding at this time of year, confronts skippers with sometimes extreme conditions: storms, fast-moving low-pressure systems, and rough seas put the IMOCAs to the test. More than just a race, it is a real springboard for the Vendée Globe.

Whether in Optimists, Mini 6.50s, latest-generation foilers or old-school boats, Les Sables d’Olonne cultivates its unique spirit of adventure with these races that have made a name for themselves around the world and throughout the ages.

• In 1968, The Sunday Times Golden Globe Race was the first ever around-the-world solo yacht race.
• Known at the time as a voyage for madmen, lives were forever changed – yachts sank, a suicide occurred and of the nine entries only one man finished – Sir Robin Knox-Johnston becoming the first person ever to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the globe.
• No other race had occurred like it in half a century.

The Voyage of Madmen film released today on the Golden Globe Youtube channel is the story of Don McIntyre’s 50 year anniversary recreation of the infamous race and his quest to attract amateur sailors to compete in small boats, taking on the perils of the sea entirely against the odds. It’s a race without modern technological aids where actually surviving a non-stop lap of the world is the achievement. Of the 18 solo sailors to depart France in 2018 – five solitary skippers crossed the finish line – the final finisher spending 322 days alone at sea. This is the story of the longest sporting event in history. A display of brutal individualism by characters longing for a by-gone era who are hell-bent on recreating the longest, loneliest and most gruelling sports event on the planet.

This film is an independent production funded entirely and produced by Don McIntyre – “McIntyre Adventure”. For the past 10 Years, he has invested heavily in supporting adventure, conceiving and organising three around the world races – Golden Globe Race, Ocean Globe Race and the Mini Globe Race currently underway. All this without major sponsors. Solo sailor Jesse Martin directed the film and was primary cameraman.

The fourth edition of the McIntyre Golden Globe Race starts in 12 months on September 6th 2026 once again from Les Sables d’Olonne. In the past three editions of the Golden Globe only 9 sailors have finished, 43 tried. In 2026, 28 sailors are lining up for the start.

The untold story of ASTERIA’s sinking and Tapio Lehtinen’s RESCUE! A Short film released today on YOUTUBE!

On NOV 18^th, 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 McIntyre 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 and surreally stern first below the waves of the Southern Ocean.

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 organisers were stunned, but with Cape Town MRCC alerted, swung into action. He was ultimately rescued by fellow entrant Kirsten Neuschäfer who went on to win the McIntyre GGR and global recognition. This RESCUE was an amazing story and is now the subject of a short film “ASTERIA’S FINAL VOYAGE” released today on Youtube, click below to watch.  

The organiser of the GGR Don McIntyre had entered into an agreement with Fathom Films, a Canadian production company to produce a documentary based on the 2022 edition of the Race. Three boats were lost during this gruelling eight-month adventure around the world and only three of the original 16 starters finished the Race. It was an epic story waiting to be told, but for some unexplained reason, Fathom Films decided to remove Tapio Lehtinen from the GGR in their film “The Loneliest Race”. He simply was not mentioned. He did not exist. The sinking and subsequent rescue by the winner of the GGR did not happen. Tapio was simply cancelled.

 I objected to the producers explaining that without Tapio their film lacked integrity and honesty. The Producer suggested they just wanted a character piece and there were enough characters without telling Tapio’s story. I was stunned and shocked. They launched the film without him. It’s a good film, but it tells a lie by what is not there. As the organiser we cannot endorse it as the “Official Film” of the 2022 GGR. I felt so sad for Tapio and his team. I had an agreement with Fathom Films and they did not deliver, but no point fighting, so instead we produced this short film “ASTERIA’S FINAL VOYAGE” to tell the untold story.

Don McIntyre, GGR Founder & Chairman.

To complement this short film about Tapio, McIntyre Adventure is now producing a 16-part short film series of  “2022 GGR Skipper Stories” one episode for each entrant and one being released every week starting today. Available on the Golden Globe Race YouTube channel HERE.

Katy Stickland from Practical Boat Owner magazine had a sneak peak of this new McIntyre Adventure series and had this to say… 

These absorbing and captivating GGR Skipper Stories are packed with never-before-seen footage which puts you in the heart of the race and reveal new insights into the hardships and sheer joy experienced by those taking part in one of the toughest yacht races on earth. Couldn’t tear my eyes away from the screen.

WHY DID ASTERIA SINK?

If you would like to know more, there was a full investigation and two hour discussion from various experts at the time. You can watch this detailed technical analysis here. At the end of the day there was NO PROVEN ANSWER. 

Nothing compares to the GGR – 29 entrants signed up and the countdown begins.

• 29 sailors from 12 countries, including two women and the first Generation Z entrant, have signed up for the unique and gruelling Golden Globe Race (GGR).
• The Golden Globe Race, which began in 1968, was the first solo, non-stop voyage around the world. It remains a race that truly defines the meaning of being “unassisted.”
• Organisers are seeking a title naming partner to secure the Golden Globe Race’s long-term future beyond 2030.

The countdown has started for the fourth edition of the Golden Globe Race, set to commence on September 6, 2026. With just two years remaining, 29 passionate sailors from 12 countries, including two women and the race’s first Generation Z entrant, have signed up for this unique and gruelling challenge. Only one provisional entry remains before a waitlist is initiated.

The Golden Globe Race, which began in 1968 as the first solo, non-stop around-the-world sailing race, remains a defining event in the sport, epitomizing the essence of an “unassisted” voyage. The race organisers are currently seeking a title naming partner to ensure the event’s future beyond 2030.

The first Golden Globe Race saw nine sailors set sail on a daunting solo non-stop journey around the world, unsure if it was even possible. After 312 gruelling days, only one sailor returned: 29-year-old Robin Knox-Johnston, aboard the weather-beaten 32-foot Suhaili. Knox-Johnston, an exceptional sailor, accomplished what many considered impossible, thus beginning the legend of the Golden Globe Race — one sailor facing the near-impossible alone.

Today, there are ten around-the-world yacht races, but the Golden Globe Race stands out. It is not about speed, technology, fame, or fortune. Instead, it is about the fundamental human drive to push oneself toward an impossible dream. It’s about a single sailor in a simple, practical, affordable, and sustainable yacht, completely disconnected from the world, navigating alone for around nine months. This is the essence of the GGR.

The GGR is a game that does not come any harder. Only the toughest and smartest prevail. The challenge has proven to be soul destroying at the same time as hugely uplifting. Entrants are volunteers in this game of chance and skill against the elements. The voyage is epic, long and lonely. It is about finishing at all costs, yet history suggests only 20% will. Those that don’t finish are stand apart winners for trying. The other events stake their claim to fame in various ways, but there truly is nothing on the planet as mentally demanding and personally challenging as the GGR. 58 years of history rides with them around the world and once again in 2026, the world will be watching these extraordinary men and women!  

The second 50th Anniversary edition of the GGR, which sailed from Les Sables d’Olonne, France, in 2018, was won by Frenchman Jean-Luc Van Den Heede. In 2022, the third edition saw South African woman Kirsten Neuschäfer become the first woman to win, earning massive international recognition. The final media valuation for the 2022 GGR was €213 million, thanks in part to strong support from host port and logistics partner Les Sables d’Olonne.

Looking ahead to 2026, the organisers are searching for a naming rights partner to secure the GGR’s long-term future and are exploring potential host ports for a SITraN prologue race to the start. In 2022, the prologue was held in Gijón, Spain. Founder and Organiser Don McIntyre highlights the race’s global appeal:

The Golden Globe has significant brand recall worldwide, establishing itself as a major global event that generates compelling human stories. These stories resonate not just with sailors but also with non-sailors and families. For a title partner, the GGR offers unique raw material centred around strong individual characters on a grand journey that begins now and spans nearly four years. This journey promises an extraordinary return on investment at a fraction of the media valuation. We are waiting for your call.

Spotlight on Entrants: A New Generation of Sailors

Nineteen-year-old Frenchman Louis Kerdelhué has purchased the Biscay 36 NURI, the yacht that Michael Guggenberger sailed to third place in the 2022 GGR. He will be the first Generation Z sailor to cross the 2026 start line at the age of 21. Inspired by the 2022 edition, Louis decided to join the GGR despite his limited ocean sailing experience. He has since passed his YachtMaster Offshore exam and is eager to face the challenges ahead, stating:

When I first heard about the GGR, I read all the books — Robin Knox-Johnston‘s A World of My Own, Jesse Martin‘s Lionheart, Robin Lee Graham‘s Dove, Bernard Moitessier’s The Long Route — and it solidified my decision. While I dread the doldrums, I look forward to the storms and wilderness of the Southern Ocean. It’s incredibly exciting!

Mathys Delmere, 26, also from France, recently sailed around Cape Horn and has entered the GGR. With a lifelong passion for the sea, Mathys has sailed on old Breton ships and participated in offshore races, including the 2023 Ocean Globe Race. Reflecting on his decision, Mathys says:

These OGR stages were incredible, and the human adventure on board was extraordinary, reinforcing my desire to participate in the GGR. It embodies the essence of being a sailor: feeling alive and interpreting the elements. I am now finishing my officer training, looking for partners, and planning the refit of Petrel. The race has already begun, and my journey to become a sailor continues.

Joel Harkimo, 36, from Finland, will sail the Rustler 36 One and All, which Uku Randmaa sailed to third place in the 2018 GGR. Joel, who began sailing in his youth and has extensive ocean experience, is following in his father’s footsteps. Joel says:

Since I was young, I dreamed of following in my father’s footsteps. He sailed around the world three times, and now it feels right for me to take this step. This race is the perfect challenge for me, blending adventure and tradition. While the rough conditions and loneliness will be tough, they are a part of achieving this dream.

For 63-year-old Australian sailor Mike Smith, the 2026 GGR will be his third attempt, and he is determined to make it. Building his own boat, a Suhaili replica, Mike reflects on his motivations:

I can be stubborn and enjoy challenging myself, taking calculated risks to achieve personal satisfaction. The GGR will expose me to the raw power of the ocean and wind, and I have no aspirations for podium glory. My goal is to complete the race and keep my feet firmly on the ground.

All 29 entrants have compelling backstories, and their journeys will undoubtedly captivate the world. Check out on our website here.