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.

21 sailors from 14 countries signed up for GGR 2026 and Kirsten Neuschäfer “Female Sailor of the Year”

The third edition of the Golden Globe Race (GGR), a solo non stop retro adventure in small full keel yachts, saw 17 sailors set out from Les Sables d’Olonne on September 4th 2022. Eight months later only three would finish. On top of the list, a South African woman, Kirsten Neuschäfer, broke all records. She crossed the line in a blaze of glory with a simple, unassuming smile and humble words of gratitude to her followers and supporters. Her story and that of the other sailors who were not there, kept millions around the world enthralled from day one. Every sailor faced their own personal challenge alone and often questioned why they were there, right to the end. Emotions ran high, month after month, and the GGR following grew every day.

The release of the Meltwater 2022 GGR media analysis and equivalent advertising/PR value of €213 million reflects that following:

• 240,000 people visited the Les Sables d’Olonne GGR village in the two weeks before the start.
• The website had 4.4 million unique visits with 19 million unique pages opened.
• Facebook reach was 3.3 million and YouTube had 3.2 million views.
• Twitter saw 5.2 million impressions and Instagram a reach of 1 million.
• 65,000 people downloaded the Yellowbrick tracking app and that related to over 15 million hits if checked just once a day and most checked many times each day.

The Founder of the Golden Globe Don McIntyre was not surprised:

We all felt that the 2022 GGR was bigger and better than 2018 with a real positive vibe. The strong Les Sables d’Olonne support had a big impact and it was like the GGR had all of a sudden grown up. We saw a huge number of non-sailing followers captivated by the daily coverage and everyone realized it was not just a boat race! Getting to the start was hard and Covid did not help, but getting to the finish was everything and the stories reflected that. Hearts and minds were broken, but heroes were also made. The 2026 GGR is going to be epic!

Don McIntyre – GGR Founder

To top all this, Kirsten has now been recognised as the Female Rolex World Sailor of the Year! This is an amazing accolade and well deserved recognition of a truly extraordinary sailor. Everything about her 236-day race around the world, unassisted and without technology was WOW! The GGR is a long, grueling, hard won race like nothing else in any sporting discipline. Only the best of the best and those who know themselves and why they are there, can ever hope to complete the 30,000 mile course.

Kirsten’s win was the first time any woman has won a solo, or crewed yacht race around the world through the Southern Ocean, by the three great capes including Cape Horn. The GGR is a true and honest human adventure. It is not about money and speed, but more about slowing down and taking care of things in adversity. It is a mind game with easy reasons to pull out. The eight months of complete isolation with only a radio for contact is depressing at best. Yet the attraction for some sailors is compelling. 

Already 21 sailors from 14 countries have followed their strongest emotions and at times biggest fear, by signing up for this ultimate expression of who they are, and joining the 2026 GGR. They come from all walks of life, ages and skill sets. They all understand the risks and they are all now busy with planning and preparation for what will become their life-defining moment. That is what the Golden Globe Race is. Many more sailors are thinking about entering and with a maximum of only 26 entrants and four “special invitations” allowed, a full fleet is expected. 

Two sailors, Irishman Pat Lawless and Canadian Edward Walentynowicz who retired from the 2022 edition are returning in 2026 with unfinished business. The only woman currently entered is American sailor Olivia O Wyatt, an award-winning filmmaker, TV producer, and USCG 50-Ton Master certified captain. She’s sailing solo around the world at the moment aboard Juniper, her 34 ft. cutter-rigged sloop that she will sail in the GGR. She believes her boat is haunted by a dead man’s ghost. When asked why she is doing the GGR her response was: 

Maybe it’s because this race sounds really romantic to me. Or because solo sailing is the dreamiest. Or because I like to push myself inside the depths of my soul until I am forced to sink or swim. Because I need a new challenge. Because the race is all I have thought about since I first thought of doing the race, it’s like I’m possessed.

Olivia Wyatt (USA)

Assistant Race Director of the 2022 GGR, Lutz Kohne from Germany decided it’s time to swap sides and has entered the 2026 GGR with his Rustler 36 that he picked up in the U.S. this summer and sailed solo back to France. His passion for the GGR comes from seeing it from the inside and living with the entrants day-to-day all the way around the world. Today, the GGR followers are counting the days and there are only 1024 to go before this grueling voyage around the world is on again.