D-365 before the big return of the Golden Globe Race in Sables-d’Olonne

In one year, on September 4, 2022, the third edition of the Golden Globe Race will start from Les Sables-d’Olonne. This is the only round-the-world tour without technical assistance and without GPS, with the same tools as during the first edition, in 1968. During a press conference, this Thursday morning, 26 skippers of 11 nationalities different have already announced their participation.

It is a dream setting, an open-air stadium facing the sea which has been the point of departure and arrival for so many adventures of men and women of the sea. With its channel legendary that the greatest sailors have already taken, Les Sables-d’Olonne has the most beautiful setting, commensurate with the incredible challenge of setting sail and sailing on all the seas of the globe. World capital of offshore racing, the Vendée city is the scene of the discipline’s greatest emotions. There is the Vendée Globe, the last edition of which, last winter, was rich in highlights. There will be the Mini-Transat, the start of which on September 26 is loaded with promise for many future skippers. And then there’s the Golden Globe Race, the next edition of which will start on September 4, 2022.

A legendary race, a melting pot of vocations time

The announcement was made this Thursday morning during a press conference at the School of Fisheries. Alongside Yannick Moreau, Mayor of Sables-d’Olonne and President of the Agglomeration, and Don McIntyre, organizer of the Golden Globe Race, Alain Leboeuf, President of the Vendée department, and Isabelle Leroy, vice-president of the Pays-de-la-Loire Region, made the trip for the occasion.

In 2018, the return of the Golden Globe Race, which started from Les Sables-d’Olonne, marked the fiftieth anniversary of this legendary race. It was in 1968 and 1969 that the Golden Globe Challenge took place, the first single-handed, round-the-world and non-stop race in history. The victory of Robin Knox-Johnston and the incredible adventure of Bernard Moitessier will have inspired generations of sailors, convinced that the sea could be an incredible playground, dream and self-sacrifice.

With the city and the organizers, take a long-term view

Fifty years later, the 18 skippers to set off for this anniversary race reconnected with what made it their DNA: a competition without any technical assistance, without GPS and with the same means of navigation as at the time. The victory of Jean-Luc Van Den Heede (then 73) at the end of 212 days at sea had aroused a startling enthusiasm on the pontoons of Sables-d’Olonne and among all enthusiasts of ocean racing. On the strength of the memories it created and its values, both family and fraternal, this edition encouraged the organizers to register for the long term.
The organizers of the Golden Globe Race, the City of Sables-d’Olonne and the Agglomeration Community (which are in charge of all the activities on land and in the village) have therefore jointly supported each other in order to offer this new edition, including the departure will take place on September 4, 2022. The date has been slightly postponed in order to help the conditions be more lenient for the sailors, in particular during their crossings of the southern seas.

More interactions with the general public

If the race retains its DNA, several new features will allow all those curious to experience the adventure more closely. Thus, five waypoints have been established so that the skippers can transmit photos and videos of their adventure. In addition, weekly interviews will be held with the media as well as a live Facebook each month, during which the public will be able to interact directly with the sailors.

Finally, a virtual regatta will allow all those curious to experience the race in their own way, throughout their round the world trip. In total, 26 skippers of 11 different nationalities have already announced their participation with the sweet dream of being the first to cross the line at Les Sables-d’Olonne, after more than 200 days at sea. The public will be able to rub shoulders with them from the 20th August 2022 with the opening of the village before the big departure, two weeks later.

THEY SAID

Yannick MOREAU, Mayor of Sables-d’Olonne and President of the Agglomeration

“Four years ago, with Don McIntyre, we decided to revive the Golden Globe Race, a unique race that carries the values and DNA of Les Sables d’Olonne.

Starting point for the most beautiful maritime adventures, our city asserts itself as the World Capital of solo ocean racing.

After the Vendée Globe and the Mini Transat, the GGR skippers will set off for a round-the-world trip in which human values and surpassing oneself are essential to face the elements and go to the end of the adventure.

One year from the start, Les Sables d’Olonne is preparing with passion this major event in ocean racing. On September 4, many of us will be on the quays of our legendary channel to encourage these heroes from all over the world. ”

TEASER GOLDEN GLOBE RACE 2022 AVAILABLE HERE (© AMP VISUAL TV)

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GGR PRESS CONFERENCE and Southampton boat show!

One year to go until the start of the 2022 Golden Globe. If there is any certainty in life these days it is that this time will fly by. Tomorrow 2nd at 0800 UTC, 1000hrs local time Les Sables d’Olonne we will hold a Press Conference in our Offices celebrating that countdown. It will be LIVE on the GGR Facebook page and we hope you can tune in for some interesting News. You will meet nine GGR entrants who are attending from around the world and we have six GGR Yachts on the marina.

Our partners Les Sables d’Olonne are increasing their support for the GGR and the Vendee Region announce their support to the GGR. We are honoured to announce tomorrow that Sir Robin Knox Johnston has accepted our invitation to become PATRON of the Golden Globe going forward. Other news discussed include a new JOSHUA CLASS for GGR 2026 where you can build your own JOSHUA replica, Captain coconut, Mark Sinclair re-joins the 2022 GGR!!!! SITraN our official charity and the official launch of our world first Virtual Golden Globe Race. Tune in Tomorrow.

The GGR village in Les Sables from 20th August through to start day 4th Sept 2022 will be bigger than ever with classic historic displays and plenty of entertainment. Come meet the skippers, check out their boats, listen to their on-stage presentations and feel the emotion. Now is the time to book accommodation and plan your visit. We look forward to welcoming you.

Join us at the Southampton Boat Show

Together with Les Sables d’Olonne, GGR will be exhibiting at the Southampton Boat show from 10-19th September. We would love to meet you and chat all things Golden Globe. Some of the GGR entrants will also be on our stand. On the 10th Sept. Tapio Lehtinen will arrive to attend our Ocean Globe Race Press conference at 1300-1400hrs local time on the Foredeck stage, east to the Ocean Hall.(OGR Facebook live) then on the GGR stand. On the afternoon of Thursday 16th Sept. David Scott Cowper leads our UK entrants arriving for a media briefing on our stand which is in OCEAN HALL 2 stand J158.

Like to visit GGR entrant Ian Herbert Jones and his beautiful Yacht PUFFIN which raced with Istvan Kopar in the 2018 GGR. Ian has completed a major refit and upgrade transition for the 2022 edition and just returned from his 2000-mile qualifying voyage. He is on the marina at the show every day and would love to show you around his entry.

If you’re coming, you can use this code EPTOPYERSXMKHE to register for discount tickets.   (Ticket Booking HERE, Offer price: £19.00 , per Any One Day flexible entry ticket – saving up to £12.50 on gate purchases. )

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530 days to go! Les Sables d’Olonne , France, Official Launch and Countdown to the start of 2022 GGR

# 28 entrants from 11 countries including one woman signed on.
# NEW 2 hr time penalty imposed for every litre of fuel used during race.
# New direct satellite media access to entrants during the race.
# Four video film drops planned with Punta Del Este after Cape Horn included.
# GGR, the longest, loneliest, slowest race and most daring challenge for any individual in any sport.

The 1968 Golden Globe was the first ever around the world yacht race. Since then, legends like the only finisher and winner Sir Robin Knox Johnston, and Bernard Moitessier have inspired many sailors and created new Around the world races. I was there in Sydney with Philippe Jeantot when he conceived the first 1998 Vendee Globe. The Golden Globe was part of his idea.

In 2018, together with our partner Les Sables d’Olonne, we brought the Golden Globe back to life 50 years later. This incredible Adventure continues with a third edition starting from Les Sables d’Olonne on Sept 4th 2022. Again, Les Sables d’Olonne stands with us as a passionate partner building a bigger and even more exciting event.

The 2018 GGR was a repeat journey into the unknow. The world had changed, but the world had never seen anything like it. 18 sailors set sail not knowing what to expect. We all held our breath and an international GGR Family followed day by day with genuine enthusiasm. Yachts were lost, stories were told and sailors everywhere were inspired. Some of the best sailors on the planet had lined up at the start in Les Sables d’Olonne. So too did the dreamers, just as they did in 1968.

Unlike the first edition, our Notice of Race was considered by French Maritime Authorities as the best for any yacht race ever to sail from this country and the Security Arrangements appropriate for the challenge.

10 months after the start, Tapio Lehtinen the last of only five sailors to complete the journey, crossed the finish line creating history once again. Jean Luc Van Den Heede, one of the great sailors of our time, won the 2nd Golden Globe. He was 73yo. and has been a beautiful dreamer his entire life! Like all entrants, his voyage was filled with drama and courage in the face of real adversity. It was tough! Very tough. He was at sea for 212 days totally alone, the equivalent of three Vendee Globes. His final VDH journal has and continues to inspires a new generation of sailors, as did his previous five solo circumnavigations of the Globe.

The GGR is unique and has established once again the core principles of that first in 1968 edition. Open to sailors young and old it is affordable in 32-36ft strong, recycled, seaworthy yet simple yachts. There is No technology, No satellite comms or GPS, No autopilots and only cassette tapes for music. The GGR is the ONLY solo race around the world with Absolutely NO Outside assistance of any kind.

The GGR is NOT a flying 10-week sprint around the Globe. It is a gruelling demanding and daring marathon. You could fly to Mars quicker than completing the GGR! Entrants spend more time in the Southern Ocean than most current races take to circumnavigate. There are no SKYPE calls home to family for psychological support, or engineers for advice. The GGR is total isolation on a grand scale. It steps back to a simpler time, where the sailor relies entirely on themselves for their own destiny.

This challenge is not for everyone. It’s serious. Only the best will finish. Question? IS it the toughest Solo Non-stop race around the world? Who cares? We know it is seriously tough with no comparisons. Yet it is a beautiful and simple Challenge. It takes a special sailor to even consider it possible. Those that finish in 2023 will again make history!

Today 28 entrants from 11 Countries have signed for the next edition. The British want the Golden Globe back! They are sending 8 sailors to recover it. Australia sends 6 entrants. We are excited to welcome # Damien Guillou and PRB to the GGR in the last few days, leading the three French entrants who will attempt to retain the Golden Globe trophy. New Zealand sends # Graham Dalton brother of Americas Cup winner # Grant Dalton, who is sailing JL VDH 2018 R36 Matmut, # Tapio Lethinen from 2018 GGR sailing “Asteria” covered with Barnacles returns with a plan to win. # Captain Coconut, Mark Sinclair also from 2018 returns with unfinished business. Our only woman entrant # Kirsten Neuschafr from South Africa is a sailor with the experience to win and a yacht that could actually do it! Our youngest is 26 yo. American # Elliott Smith and Oldest at 79, the indomitable multiple solo circumnavigator # David Scott Cowper from the UK. Only Four SUHAILI Class entries are still available to sailors hoping to join the 2022 GGR.

“As organisers we learnt a lot from the last edition of the GGR”. said Don McIntyre, GGR Founder and race Chairman. “There have been changes and one of the biggest is a new start date Two months later than 2018 placing the fleet more favourably in the Southern Ocean. Safety and security standards remain high and sailing qualifications have been increased. The best is overall media coverage will be substantially upgraded”.

# A new 2-hour time penalty for every litre of fuel consumed during the race will be added to finishing times. This encourages all entrants to focus on Solar, Wind and Water power generation. Our world first WASTE MANAGEMENT plan for all entrants in the 2018 GGR will remain.

# For the first time Expanded MEDIA ACCESS to GGR skippers With Entrants receiving two direct satellite phone interviews from any media outlet, every week while racing. The possibility of sending satellite photos from entrants to Race Control is being investigated. A third Video film drop for live interviews is also scheduled for Cape Town, South Africa before sailors’ head into the Southern Ocean and a fourth may be established after rounding Cape Horn.

# A planned comprehensive Media Production and Global TV distribution plan will send the GGR story to millions of families around the world.

On July the 1st 2018, crowds that gathered on the famous Les Sables river cheering our GGR sailors witnessed something special. But they could never have imagined what lay ahead. The Golden Globe is personal, even romantic and centred on the sailor. Nothing else matters. It is seriously a human story, not the boat, not technology and not the money that creates the winner and it’s all about the stories.

On Sept 4th next year once again, these special sailors will set out on an adventure unique to this planet. They are all volunteers in what is now recognised as the longest, loneliest, slowest race and most daring challenge for any individual in any sport.
#ENDS#

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DAMIEN GUILLOU AND PRB ENTER THE GOLDEN GLOBE RACE 2022

MARCH 18, 2021

Damien Guillou is preparing to take up an extraordinary challenge under the colors of PRB. At 38, the Breton will live alone at sea for more than 200 days for a round the world nonstop, without assistance and without modern means of communication, the Golden Globe Race.

Faced with competitors who, like him, take up this crazy bet, Damien will make his way with the sextant! The sailor, trained in Olympic sailing (optimist, laser, 49er) and Figaro knows everything about modern monohulls. He could even draw eyes closed for the 60 ‘PRB with which Kevin Escoffier entered the last Vendée Globe. It was he who, as PRB’s boat captain, took care of this carbon boat until the last minutes before kick-off. But today he has chosen to set off on a boat of only 11 meters and deprived of any electronic tool … Minimalist comfort, paper maps and sextant will be his companions for this competition which defies all the codes of modern navigation (no computers, no satellite navigation aid, no automatic pilot, etc.). Damien creates the surprise because he is not necessarily the one we imagined embarking on such an epic. But it is as a true lover of the sea and passionate about competition, that he will cover these 30,000 miles through the three capes. Particularly proud to lead this adventure with PRB, Damien continues the history of the Vendée company with tours of the world.

It was during the Vendée Globe village, last October, that the project began to germinate. Then a member of the IMOCA PRB technical team, Damien Guillou talks with Jean-Jacques Laurent, President of the Vendée SME on the mythical pontoon of Sables d’Olonne. The latter lets Damien know that he wants to realign a PRB boat on the Golden Globe Race and that he is looking for a skipper. Concentrated on the preparation of the 60 feet, the Breton hears but does not project himself immediately. “When Jean-Jacques Laurent told me that, we were in the home stretch to prepare for IMOCA so I didn’t really react, even though this proposal obviously appealed to me. Following this discussion, I took the time to find out about the dates of the race and the idea gradually gained momentum. I was at this stage still in personal reflection. Afterwards I took the step to talk about it to my wife and I also discussed it with Paul Meilhat and Anthony Marchand, two childhood friends who know me well. It was only after having had their points of view that I returned to Jean-Jacques Laurent to inform him that I really wanted to embark on this project, he then replied Go! “

“I find myself fully in this ordeal! “

This is a challenge completely new Damien Guillou will tackle next year with passion and desire. “All the criteria are met for this Golden Globe Race! The racing aspect, my love of boats and the sea, my taste for technical preparation and adventure! Even if it may seem surprising, I find myself fully in this ordeal! I had carefully followed the 2018 edition, telling myself that it was both interesting and daring, but without imagining that I would one day take the start of this race. And doing it under the PRB colors really means something to me, I’m very proud of it! The story continues in a different way in a way and I’m very happy to have Kevin‘s support in this project too. His seamanship and his advice are very precious! “ Supported in his approach by Kevin Escoffier, Damien benefits from all the energy of the “PRB family”. Vincent Riou, former winner of the Vendée Globe under the PRB colors in 2004, will welcome Damien‘s boat in its structure to prepare it. The Rustler 36 bought last month in Italy will reach Port-La-Forêt at the end of April.

A total refit project

The monohull which perfectly meets the strict criteria of the Golden Globe Race was built on plans drawn before 1988 (1980). The sailboat will be under construction for about two months as indicated by Damien: “We are still awaiting the Italian authorizations for the exceptional transport which will be done by road. The health context complicates things a bit, but this should unblock soon. As soon as we have received the boat, it will go into the yard for a total refit. For the moment, it is in cruise configuration. The objective will be to put it in race mode and that requires significant changes. We are planning a relaunch at the end of June so that I will sail all summer to take it in hand and start qualifying for 2000 miles at the beginning of September. “

First step: learning to use a sextant

While waiting, Damien Guillou has started learning the sextant… An essential first step for this Golden Globe Race. “I went for two days for training in Toulouse with a person passionate about sextant who has made it his job. This allowed me to acquire the basics and since then I have been doing arithmetic exercises almost every day. When it’s sunny, I also go to the edge of the coast to do some surveys. The sextant can be frightening at first, but it’s not overwhelming! In no time, I managed to get by! I can’t wait to put it all into practice on the boat this summer! “ Says Damien already fully launched in his project.

For Jean-Jacques Laurent, it is the continuity of a beautiful meeting. “I really wanted to return to this race. We took part in the first edition with Philippe Péché. And we discovered a universe totally different from the Vendée Globe. In the Vendée Globe, we are in a technological dimension and things have to go quickly. It is exciting. We have seen the enthusiasm generated by the edition which has just ended. On the Golden Globe Race, we maintain a relationship with the long term! It’s a whole different challenge, but it’s just as fascinating. It’s fantastic that Damien wears our colors. He was already in the PRB family. He’s a great sailor. He is very enthusiastic and has a very serious approach. I think it is very respectful to be part of the history of PRB with the tours of the world. He has our full confidence and also Kevin‘s support, which is obviously important to us. It’s a very good story that begins in view of this extremely difficult race. “

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Dalton brothers take on Golden Globe and America’s Cup!

Dateline: Les Sables d´Olonne, Friday the 26th of February 2021

One sails in the fastest, most sophisticated and prestigious sailing challenge in the world, all over in just minutes ! The other is attempting the longest, loneliest, most demanding and slowest race, for any individual in any sport on the planet. The Dalton family wants it all!! With the America’s Cup just days away and the third edition of the grueling eight month solo Golden Globe Race starting next year, the contrast is extreme.

Graham Dalton, the elder brother of New Zealand’s America’s Cup supremo Grant Dalton, has entered in the 2022 Golden Globe Race. The gritty 66-year old from Auckland has unfinished business – to sail solo around the world and win! Two previous attempts have ended in disappointment. In the 2003 Velux 5 Oceans, a four-stop solo circumnavigation he was dismasted close to Cape Horn and in 2007 he completed the same race but outside the time allowance.

Grant Dalton on the other hand has sailed all the major international Ocean races and won, including the Withbread Around the world Race and of course the America’s cup. His dreams happened. It does not get any bigger or better. His big brother has had his dream since childhood. Inspired as a schoolboy by Sir Francis Chichester’s solo one-stop circumnavigation in Gypsy Moth IV back in 1966/7, he recalls: “Many of my friend’s parents had yachts and their boys would talk about Chichester’s adventure in the playground saying ’That’s what I’m going to do – sail around the world’. I knew they wouldn’t, but I made a commitment – and every day since, this has been my goal.”

But entering the next GGR non-stop solo round the world race, starting from Les Sables d’Olonne, France on September 4, 2022 has not been straightforward. Having been dismasted, suffered broken rudders, and torn sails, 4 fractured ribs, and endured chronic food poisoning during previous attempts, Graham says: “This time, I waited until I said to myself that I wanted to do this again three days in a row before making the commitment. It has taken some time to resolve.”

The decision was made only after a lot of soul searching and self analysis. Graham is a determined, tenacious character with great self belief, – many of the attributes shared with his younger brother Grant. The big difference between the two is that while Grant is happy to court the media spotlight, Graham is not. “I’d rather not have any publicity. I don’t need it because I won’t have a sponsor. It’s just a distraction that I can do without” He says. If it were possible, I sense that he would prefer to just turn up at the start dressed like the anonymous Japanese masked wrestler The Great Sasuka and take on all challengers. He’s happiest with his own company and a project to focus on. The media bruha and contact with the outside world – even competitors – he would just as happily do without. The perfect mindset for a solo sailor you might say.

But third time around, Graham has been asking questions – of himself and to others. One of these is about mental preparedness. A good American friend who had spent 23 years as a US Navy Seal advised: ‘The brave don’t live for ever, but the cautious never live.’ He now has the inscription on his study wall at home, alongside the badly buckled titanium steering wheel from his last yacht smashed by a wave as a reminder of what can happen at sea. And the message? I wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t finish up on a bulkhead within his yacht to bolster his mindset when things go awry as they undoubtedly will at some point during this 30,000 mile battle against the elements.

Another mentor is Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, the 73-year old French sailor who led the 2018 Golden Globe Race from the Cape of Good Hope all the way back to the finish. Graham has bought Van Den Heede’s Rustler 36 Matmut which bettered Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s winning time set in the first Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968/9 by 100 days. He has not only bought the winning yacht but hopes to benefit from the great knowledge and experience gained by the 6-time solo circumnavigator Jean-Luc.

If Coronavirus travel restrictions allow, Dalton plans to travel to France in May to complete the yacht’s fit-out and sailing trials before setting out into the Atlantic on a 2,000 mile qualification solo sail to sweep away any lingering doubts. “I’ve got some ideas how to make Matmut even faster. I’ve no interest in simply sailing around the world again. It is the competitive aspect that really appeals. I’ve entered the GGR to win, and without distractions I think I can.” He says.

His brother Grant is of the same mindset. He has taken on the greatest high-tech sailing challenge on earth and won. In the next few days he puts it all on the line once again. Dreams don’t come any bigger! The family conversations must be quite interesting!

Ends

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