3 years to the start of the 2022 GGR
Independent Media report values coverage of the 2018 GGR at $185m

22 paid up entrants to-date – 17 with boats!
First Woman Entrant from South Africa
First Joshua Class yacht to be launched next year
2022 Notice of Race published

Dateline: Tonga – 17th September 2019

OFFICIAL: 2018 GGR gained US$185m media exposure across TV, Radio, Print and Social Media. An independent analysis report compiled by Meltwater on media coverage secured during the 2018 Golden Globe Race shows that the Race gained US$185m worth of coverage world-wide.

Click here to download Meltwater Media Analysis Report

Les Sables d’Olonne, which will be the host start and finish port again in 2022, gained 2 years of international publicity valued at 16.5m Euros (US$18.08m), and Falmouth, which hosted the pre-Race Suhaili 50 Parade of Sail, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s departure in the original 1986 Sunday Times Golden Globe, and the start of the SITraN Challenge race to Les Sables d’Olonne, gained £1.85m (US$2.38m) from the 3-days of events.

Don McIntyre, the GGR founder said today: “What a fantastic solid result for a unique original adventure created by a small passionate management team with low budgets. It confirms the support and huge following the 2018 GGR achieved from ordinary people interested in a simple, back to basics human endeavour. No fluff; just an honest, down-to-earth non-stop solo race around the world that media understand. We must also thank the passion of our French fans and our enthusiastic Host Port and logistics partner Les Sables d’Olonne, Ville and Agglomeration. The GGR family continues to grow, ensuring the 2022 edition will be an even bigger success.”

Yannick Moreau, Mayor of Les Sables d’Olonne and President of the Agglomeration said today: “For a first edition, the GGR has been an international success. I am looking forward to the 2nd edition from Les Sables d’Olonne on September 4, 2022!”

GGR 2022 Suhail class entry list – Just six places left!

Three years to the start of the 2022 Golden Globe Race from Les Sables d’Olonne, France, and already this second retro solo non-stop round the world race has 22 paid up Suhaili Class entrants representing nine Countries. There is one ordinary and five remaining special invitations available in Suhaili Class before a Wait list is started.

The first Joshua Class II one-design yacht is scheduled to launch in 2020. Seven places are available.

Britain has seven: 58-year old Ertan Beskardes from Bournemouth, Guy Waites (52) currently skippering the yacht Dare to Lead in the Clipper Round the World Race, Ian Herbert-Jones (49) another Clipper Race veteran; John Clarke (47) from Liverpool; 67-year old Robin Davie from Falmouth, and Simon Curwen (67) from Emsworth. The 7th entrant remains anonymous at this stage.

Australia has 5 entrants: 49-year old Matthew Wright and Michael Davey (58) both from Adelaide, South Australia, Michael Date (57) from Currumbin Waters, Queensland; and Mike Smith (60) building a Suhaili replica in Newcastle, NSW. The 5th entrant wishes to remain anonymous for the moment.

South Africa has 2 entrants: Jeremy Bagshaw (56) from Simon’s Town; and Kirsten Neuschäfer (37) the first women entrant, from Port Elizabeth.

The USA has 2 entrants: 52-year old Doug Dean from Sandhills, Nebraska and professional sailor Guy deBoer (63)

Austria: Michael Guggenberger (42)

Canada: Indian born Gaurav Shinde (32) from London, Ontario

France: 48-year old Arnaud Gaist takes on the mantle from Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, French winner of the 2018 GGR.

Italy: 51-year old Guido Cantini.

Ireland: 63-year old Pat Lawless from Ballyferriter. Co Kerry

New Zealand: This entrant remains anonymous at this stage.

17 of these skippers are busy preparing their boats already, and others are moving fast to secure theirs. Matthew Wright from South Australia is in Europe right now looking for a boat and American Guy DeBoer is in France about to close a deal. Canadian/Indian skipper Gurave Shinde has just secured a Baba 36 for his challenge and Australian Michael Davey has bought a Cape Dory 36 in America, scrapped the rig and deck gear and put the boat on a ship to New Zealand for the refit. Australian Michael Date is halfway through a complete rebuild refit of his Aries 32 and fellow Aussie Mike Smith is well on the way to completing his Suhaili replica. Another Australian, 2018 GGR retiree Mark Sinclair (Capt. Coconut) has just set up a new Facebook page titled Coconut 2022, so he may be making an announcement very soon!

Boat statistics to date. Rustler 36 (4), Trade Wind 35 (2), and one each of the following, Vancouver 34, Saga 36, Biscay 36,Cape Dory 36, Aries 32, Baba 35, Endurance 35, Nicholson 32, Lello 34, Suhaili Replica and Barbican 33MKII.

Click here for Skipper and boat details

2022 Notice of Race published

Changes to the 2022 Notice of Race reflect lessons gained from the 2018 Race while maintaining the spirit of the GGR. On the all important issue of heavy weather and equipment there were no changes.

Don McIntyre explains: “In relation to storm tactics and equipment to use like Drogues, no individual or expert exists with a sure solution, or the ultimate answer. Every boat, storm, wave pattern and situation is different, so we will NOT regulate what entrants must do, or should have. Like all good sailors, we keep discussing it, learning and researching, then make our own decisions and face our own destiny. Their life is in their hands. If there is one thing all entrants are very aware of and serious about, it is how they plan to survive the Southern Ocean. They do not need us to tell them and we don’t have a guarantee to give.”

Click here to download the 2022 GGR Notice of Race

A summary of the changes from the 2018 NOR are listed below.

1. Suhaili Class entries are limited to 28: 23 applicants and 5 special invitations.
2. Under 21 entrants receive a full entry fee refunded after passing Canary Islands.
3. Trindade Island in the South Atlantic is now a mark of the course.
4. A Cape Town Film drop has been added to the course.
5. Southern latitude limits return to 44° and 47°S in Indian and Pacific oceans respectively.
6. Time limit to pass Tasmania gate is 31st January 2023 or stop until 1st Dec. 2023.
7. Only World Meteo Organization (WMO) High Seas forecast allowed.
8. Routing banned once leaving the Dock in Les Sables d’Olonne.
9. 24hr time penalty for first breach of sat phone use
10. UK Prologue arrival 8th August to marina village. Start SITraN Challenge Race to Les Sables d’Olonne set for 14th August.
11. NON-GPS digital Cameras and drones allowed.
12. 8 litres emergency water to be carried. 24hr penalty if seal is broken, Sealed hand desalinator required. 72-hour penalty if seal is broken.
13. Penalties may be financial or time, or both at discretion of Jury and organiser.
14. Entrants must complete an extra 2000 mile nonstop, tracked, solo qualifier in GGR yacht, using wind vane and sextant.
15. Two interviews a week direct to any media on sat phone 20-minute max.
16. Maximum sails: Sloop – 10. Ketch -12.
17. Cabin: Minimum of two windows (each side). Minimum total area 1200sq cm.
18. LED approved nav lights compulsory.
19. Emergency steering trial must be made in open ocean with at least 15knots wind.
20. Fuel limit is full standard design tanks.
21. No extra kerosene or diesel allowed for heating.
22. Extra 50-watt mobile solar panel carried onboard.
23. 100% waterproof HF SSB radio installation required. This will be tested by throwing a bucket of water over it.
24. Full installation HF radio approval and performance test.
25. Any breech of ITU Radio regulations will be penalized and Ham radio transmissions are banned.
26. Waterproof VHF radio installation required.
27. Spare charger cables for all radios, sat phones and YB3 trackers.
28. Approved AIS Transponder compulsory.
29.  Bunk belts required for all bunks to retain sailor in event of a roll over.
30. Wind vanes need Race approval as fit for purpose in Southern Ocean.
31. All cockpit dodgers must be made from Hi-Vis materiel
32.  Permanent secure storage on deck for both spinnaker poles.
33.  Emergency KITE systems ‘may’ be approved for jury rig.
34. Coloured sponsor logos now allowed on hull.
35. Sponsor signage on hull and transom increased 250%
36. Marina Entrant Sponsor Communication mainsail increased 25%.
37. Entrant ‘Approved” Charity 1.65m x .55mt Lee cloth allowed forward of the mast anytime.
38. Country of entry ensign must fly on staff from transom at starts finish.
39. Entrant national Flag design 40cm high on both sides of mainsail.
40. Vinyl Wrapping of Hull/Deck is banned.
41. Entrant Pre-Safety inspection up to 5 defects allowed only.
42. Up to 14 minutes of digital vision released at each film drop.
43. Double requirements of Entrant video and photo media delivery to GGR required.
44. Compulsory minimum video delivery requirements at film drops.
45. Zero tolerance of fines once proven.
46. Monthly 30-minute live Facebook Q&A session with each entrant supporters.
47. SOLAS Non-Inflatable Life jacket no longer required.
48. $150 Euro fee for JURY rule clarification requested during the Race.
49. Rigging sizes are now free spar sizes no restriction except lengths.
50. Minimum three spare log impellers required.
51. HF SSB radio weather fax approval.

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Changes to 2022 GGR Notice of Race

While the 2018 Golden Globe Race was the second edition of this great Race, it was also a world first Retro solo circumnavigation adventure. It was never meant to be a replica of the 1968 original. That would never work in the context of an EVENT, designed to challenge entrants and inspire people around the world. It was the first of it’s type in an era of growing appreciation for Retro and back to basic sailing. It was hugely successful and a learning curve for all stakeholders, including entrants and organizers. It was not perfect, but it was close. Sailors around the world now consider the GGR a mainstream event and rightly so. Tens of millions of Non -sailors in hundreds of countries know this unique human challenge and eagerly await the next edition.

The Notice of Race is the event bible governing three main issues. 1. Safety and Security. 2. Concept Retro Rules back to the 60’s. 3. Media and Communication regulations. As organizers we leave as much freedom as possible to the entrants. They are the focus of the event. It is first and foremost for their enjoyment and satisfaction. They are the reason it exists. The GGR is not driven by, or for commercial return, or entertainment. The serious challenge and risk is for the entrant to face at their own will. Their life and the way they live it should be totally theirs. GGR do and always will respects that principle.

The 2022 GGR for entrants, like the previous, is by invitation only. The Notice of Race is clear. The rules to play by are defined. The choice is simple for them. Yes or No, In or Out? The Ocean is free.

The GGR is a spectacular example of the human spirit, great achievement and friendship. The collective reason entrants sign on are the challenge of a simple Race, the huge GGR family and a desire to share their experience. Yes, the parties, Les Sables Race village, send off and sailing with like-minded sailors against the ocean draws them in. The welcome at the end is a bonus to be proud of and savored.

We lost masts and boats in 2018. We had ham radio controversies, sat phone misuse, multiple wind vane failures, empty water tanks and flooded cabins. Still it was a great achievement and the 2022 entrants are very lucky indeed. They saw it all, so no excuses. As organizers, we are now able to build on that experience.

The changes to the Notice of Race may surprise many. We do NOT mandate a drogue, or special storm training, or mandatory guidelines on mast and spars, as some suggest we could. In fact, we have dropped all previous regulations that existed on masts and spars (other than lengths) and are leaving this critical issue entirely to the skippers. This is the true spirit of the GGR. They know what to expect. We and they, are and have been, talking about it at length. Their riggers and mast makers are acutely aware of the serious challenge. They saw what happened. Anything we mandate is not relevant. If GGR said entrants must have a Rig like X, with Y and include Z, we would just be creating a one design fleet which no one wants.

In relation to storm tactic and equipment to use like Drogues, no individual or expert exists with a sure solution, or the ultimate answer. Every boat, storm, wave pattern and situation is different, so we will NOT regulate what entrants must do, or should have. Like all good sailors, we keep discussing it, learning and researching, then make our own decisions and face our own destiny. Their life is in their hands. If there is one thing all entrants are very aware of and serious about, it is how they plan to survive the Southern Ocean. They do not need us to tell them and we don’t have a guarantee to give.

If you’re under 21 you get a free ride. Trindade island as a rounding mark makes for a fun sail in the trades and follows JOSHUA. Arriving two months later in the South drops the southern latitude limit a little, and HF SSB Radio weather fax will provide the latest weather maps, printed onboard, direct to all entrants, every day in real time. Now they will see the weather and what’s coming.

The GGR is all about solitude and doing everything yourself onboard. Ham radios are banned and that holds true to this philosophy. They are not needed for safety. Marine SSB HF radio is there for communication between the fleet and other mariners. It allows reception of the International GMDSS High Seas WMO weather reports, the only weather now permitted. All entrants receive exactly the same weather information. Entrants themselves will make their own choices onboard.

Adding an extra 2000-mile solo qualifying voyage in the entered GGR yacht, under Sextant navigation and wind vane makes the choice right or wrong before the start. It should produce a dramatic decrease in early retirements.

NON-GPS Digital Video cameras and drones will be onboard the fleet and more at sea footage will appear during the race, including from a new Cape Town Film Drop. Sat phones remains restricted, but all entrants will tell their story twice a week direct from onboard to international media outlets.

We are just three years to the start and we’re excited to be returning with the GGR once again to our home and passionate friends in Les Sable d’Olonne. The start will arrive before we know it. The 2022 Notice of Race maintains the Spirit of the GGR and will create another amazing adventure. Tell your friends! Thanks!

Don

A summary of most changes to the 2022 GGR NOR. (available for Download on the website)

1. SUHAILI CLASS ENTRANTs available lifted to 23 and 5 special invitation. Total 28.
2. Under 21 entrants receive a full entry fee refunded once passing Canary Islands.
3. Trindade Island in South Atlantic leaving to port is now a mark of the course.
4. A Cape Town Film drop around a mark in the harbor is now scheduled.
5. Southern latitude limits returned to 44 and 47 south respectively.
6. Time limit to pass Tasmania gate is 31st January 2023 or stop until 1st Dec. 2023.
7. Only World Meteo Organization High Seas forecast allowed onto boats (WMO)
8. Routing banned once leaving the Dock in LSO.
9. First breech of sat phone use 24hr time penalty.
10. UK Prologue arrival 8th August to marina Village- start SITraN Challenge 14th August.
12. NON-GPS digital Cameras and drones allowed.
13. 8lts sealed water -24hr penalty if opened, Hand Desalinator sealed 72-hour penalty if broken.
14. Penalties many be financial or time or both at discretion of Jury and organizer.
15. Extra 2000 mile nonstop, tracked, solo qualifier in GGR yacht, under wind vane and sextant.
16. Two interviews a week direct to any media on sat phone 20-minute max.
17. Maximum sails 10 sloop- 12 Ketch.
18. Min two windows (each side) at least total 1200sq cm. total.
19. LED approved nav lights compulsory.
20. Emergency steering trial must be open ocean with at least 15kts wind.
21. Fuel limit is full standard design tanks.
22. No kero or diesel extra for heating allowed.
23 Extra 50-watt mobile solar panel carried onboard.
24.100% waterproof HF SSB radio installation required to throw bucket of water over it.
25. Full installation HF radio approval and performance test.
26. Any Breech of ITU Radio regulations penalized and Ham radio transmissions banned.
27.Waterproof VHF radio installation required.
28. Spare charger cables for all radios, sat phones and YB3 trackers.
29. APPROVED AIS Transponder compulsory.
30. Bunk Belts required for all bunks to retain sailor in a roll over.
31. Wind vanes need Approval as fit for purpose in Southern Ocean for heavy boats.
32. All cockpit dodgers must be HIGH VIS materiel
33. Permanent secure storage for both Spinnaker poles on deck.
34. Emergency KITE systems “may” be approved for Jury rig.
35. Colored Sponsor Logos on hull allowed.
36. Entrant Sponsor signage on hull and transom increased 250%
37. Marina Entrant Sponsor Communication mainsail increased 25%.
38. Entrant ‘Approved” Charity 1.65m x .55mt Lee cloth allowed forward of the mast anytime.
39. Country of entry ensign must fly on staff from transom at starts finish.
40. Entrant national Flag design 40cm high on both sides of mainsail.
41. Vinyl Wrapping of Hull/Deck is banned.
42. Entrant Pre-Safety inspection up to 5 defects allowed only.
43. Up to 14 minutes of digital vision released at each film drop.
44. Double requirements of Entrant video and photo media delivery to GGR required.
45. Compulsory minimum video film delivery requirements at film drops.
46. Zero tolerance of fines once proven.
47 Monthly 30-minute live Facebook Q&A session with each entrant supporters.
48. SOLAS Non-Inflatable Life jacket no longer required.
49. $150 Euro fee required for each rule clarification requested.
50. Rigging sizes are now free spar sizes no restriction except lengths.
51. Minimum three spare log impellors required.
52. HF SSB radio weather fax approval.
53. Secure on deck permanent storage for two spinnaker poles.

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Les Sables d’Olonne confirmed as host start/finish port for the 2022 Golden Globe Race

22 skippers from 10 Countries now entered
Start date: 4th September 2022

Dateline: Tonga – 10th July 2019

Following the success of the 2018 Golden Globe Race, the Vendée City of Les Sables d’Olonne and its 3-town Agglomeration have voted unanimously to host the next Golden Globe Race in 2022. At a meeting on July 5, the City’s leaders also took out options to repeat the event in 2026 and 2030. The next start is scheduled for Sept 4th 2022 preceded by a two week Race Village in the Vendée Globe Marina to celebrate the history of singlehanded sailing.

The Race will once again be run under the auspices of the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club in Tonga.
Don McIntyre, the Australian Race Founder and head of the Race Organisation Ocean Frontiers PTY Ltd said today: “We are truly excited about this on-going relationship. The support given by the Les Sables d’Olonne Agglomeration during the 2018/19 Race was strong, professional and based on trust – the perfect foundation for a long term commitment. Les Sables d’Olonne gained significant International brand awareness from the 2018 GGR, and their investment and belief in the retro concept of our race paid off handsomely in terms of destination marketing and visitors to the City.”

Being a retro race celebrating the pioneering spirit of those sailors like Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Bernard Moitessier who set out to become the first to sail solo non-stop around the Globe back in 1968, the concept of back-to-basic human endeavour in small traditional yachts, fits well alongside the professionally sailed Vendée Globe state-of-the-art flying foilers, Timing of the GGR in 2022/3 fits perfectly in the middle of the Vendée Globe four-year cycle, covers both ends of the spectrum for any audience and gives Les Sables d’Olonne one of the two biggest solo around the world races every two years.

The support package provided by Les Sables d’Olonne will be significantly larger than in 2018. The Village will be bigger, more entertaining and media plans and coverage for the GGR will be upgraded. Sponsor interest in backing the GGR has also increased, with potential partners now knocking on the door.

“As organisers it is exciting to have a concrete plan so early, with solid logistic support and technical partners who know the game so well.” Says Don McIntyre, adding: “The French people have a great sense for adventure– And thanks to events like the Golden Globe and Vendée Globe races, social media is spreading this passion like wildfire, inspiring millions more around the world to follow these sailors.”

UK PROLOGUE- SITraN Challenge Race

GGR organisers are inviting sailing ports in the UK to become involved by hosting the 2022 Race fleet for one week from August 8 -14 prior to the start of the SITraN Challenge charity race to Les Sables d’Olonne. “We are hoping a UK port will embrace this opportunity to host the GGR and a small historic fleet of associated yachts and be part of something much bigger.” Says McIntyre, adding: “It is a great opportunity to celebrate the history of the original Sunday Times Golden Globe Race back in 1968/9 which saw competitors starting from the Channel ports of Cowes, Hamble, Falmouth, Plymouth and Teignmouth. The event is not only a great destination marketing vehicle but an opportunity to entertain and inspire local communities.”

Rule changes

The official GGR 2022 Notice of Race will be released on Sept. 4th 2019, three years before the start. Significant additions to the Rules include the approval of HF radio weather facsimile units that will allow entrants to receive current and future forecast weather maps direct on-board, Sponsor signage allowance on hull has been doubled in size and maximum of two direct sat phone media interviews per week will be allowed.

Entries in the SUHAILI CLASS have been increased from 20 to 23 , with the maximum number of JOSHUA CLASS entries has been dropped from 10 to 7. Full digital (Non GPS) cameras and drones will be allowed and any entrants under 21 years of age at the start of the GGR will have 100% of their entry refunded when they sail past the Canaries film drop.

Entries

Entries for the 2022 GGR now stand at 22 from Austria (1), Australia (5), Canada (1), France (2), Ireland (1), Italy (1), New Zealand (1), Norway (1), UK (7) and USA (2), four of which remain confidential.

Click here to review 2022 GGR skipper profiles

Meanwhile…

Igor Zaretskiy the last remaining entrant in the 2018 GGR who was forced to stop in Albany Western Australia and has since undergone heart surgery back in his native Russia, is recuperating well and plans to return to his yacht Esmeralda in later October. If everything goes to plan, he will set sail in November in the Chichester Class (for those making one stop) with the aim of returning to Les Sables d’Olonne in the Spring of 2020.

No further news on the salvage of Gregor McGuckin’s Irish yacht Hanley Energy Endurance, but she is still transmitting a tracking signal from her position in the Indian Ocean, with the hope that someone will mount a salvage operation to recoup the barrel of Irish whiskey onboard as well as the boat.

The post Les Sables d’Olonne confirmed as host start/finish port for the 2022 GGR appeared first on Golden Globe Race.

Ocean Globe Race is good for GGR!

You have subscribed to the GGR Newsletter which delivers the Press Releases and special THOUGHTS section for the event direct to you. As you know we now have a sister event, another Retro fully crewed Race Around the world called the OCEAN GLOBE RACE ( OGR). It is closely connected to the GGR in Philosophy and Concept, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the original 1973 Whitbread Race. While it is a stand alone event we thought you may be interested in this first Official Press Release. This is the only time we will share an official OGR release with you here. If you would like to follow the first ever Retro fully crewed race around the world PLEASE go to the www.OceanGlobeRace.com website NOW and register to receive all the Press Releases and my Thoughts in the years ahead. It is going to be one hell of a Race! THANKS from Jane and me!

BACK TO THE WHITBREAD!

The spirit of the Whitbread Round the World Race is back with the announcement of the 2023 OCEAN GLOBE RACE, a retro event starting from a European port on September 10th 2023 celebrating the 50th anniversary of this major milestone in adventure sailing.

In a world now dominated by professional sailors, foiling yachts and eye-watering budgets. This retro Race reopens once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for ordinary sailors and adventurous yacht owners to follow in the wake of Tabarly, Blake, van Rietschoten, Blyth, Knox-Johnston and of course Mexican Ramon Carlin, winner of the first Whitbread fully crewed global challenge in 1973 with his production Swan 65 Sayula II

Organised by Australian adventurer Don McIntyre along similar lines to the highly successful 2018 Golden Globe Race, which he also founded, the 2023 Ocean Globe Race (OGR) will follow the original Clipper ship sailing route around the Globe, just as the Whitbread Race did in 1973. The course traces the classic four-leg route from Europe to Africa and on to Australasia, then back via a South American port: 27,000 miles and seven months passing under the three great Capes with Cape Horn the prize for most.

Just like the 2018 GGR, this new fully-crewed challenge is equally retro, sailing similar well proven yachts to those entered in the first Whitbread and with technology limited to what was available to those pioneers back in 1973. That means no high tech materials, computers, satellite systems (including phones and GPS), as well as mobile phones. Navigation will be limited to sextant plots on paper charts, communications to SSB and VHF radios, and music will be played on cassette tapes.

Entries are limited to ‘approved’ fibreglass production yachts designed prior to 1988, from 47ft (14.32m) to 66ft (20.11m) LOA segregated into two groups: ADVENTURE (47-56ft 14.32-17.06m) & SAYULA (56-66ft 17.07-20.11m) classes. In addition, original entries from the first three Whitbread Races (1973/4, 1977/8 and 1981/2) together with ‘Class surveyed’ production sail training yachts up to 68ft (20.73m) make up a third FLYER Class.

Nautor Swan production yachts that fall within the age/length parameters are currently approved, and similar well-proven production yachts will be considered on application. The fleet is limited to a maximum of 30 yachts and the Race will be sailed under the International Collision Regulations.

Race founder Don McIntyre says: “For the first time in 3 decades, ordinary sailors and yacht owners have an opportunity to experience racing around the world in an affordable, safe and fun way. You don’t need to be an elite sportsman nor require a huge support team. And as far as budgets go, the cost of a campaign need not cost any more than one half of one foil on an IMOCA 60.” (See breakdown budget).

So many sailors harbour dreams of circling the Globe and racing around Cape Horn. The Ocean Globe Race now makes these ambitions possible once more.“

Best practice safety and security arrangements recognized by maritime agencies around the world have been adopted for the Race and strict minimum crew standards and numbers are specified for each class. Each yacht must also include at least one woman and youth crew aged under 24 at the start of the Race.

McIntyre went on to say that the experience of running the 2018 Golden Globe Race has shown up a strong appetite for simple adventurous sailing around the world and has created a great platform to launch the Ocean Globe Race. “The GGR was a huge success for competitors and attracted a large passionate following around the world. The Race achieved everything we set out to do on a very limited budget. We learned important things about what works and why, and now have a unique formula that provides strong point of difference to any other event.”

The 2023 Ocean Globe Race will be run under the auspices of by the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club in the Kingdom of Tonga and is underwritten by McIntyre Adventure Ltd.

Applications for an invitation compete will be available from Sept. 10th, 2019, four years ahead of the start.

Budgets: What will it cost to enter and campaign a competitive entry in the ORG?
A competitive ADVENTURE CLASS entry with 8-9 crew might start with a good NAUTOR SWAN 55 example on brokerage: 180,000 Euro.
Refit using crew labour 100,000 Euro.
Entry fees 25,000 Euro.
Insurance and misc. costs 20,000 Euro.
Total Capital outlay 325,000 Euro.

Your crew should contribute total operating cost around the world, food and maintenance. At the conclusion sell your SWAN for 200,000 Euros. The experience has cost 125,000 Euros. (You could do it for less with a smaller entry) A set of foils and handling gear on an IMOCA 60 is $500-600,000 EUR.

The post BACK TO THE WHITBREAD! appeared first on Golden Globe Race.

It’s not over, but it is!

Each of us who have been living the GGR these past few years have experienced it. Some more so than others. None more so than entrants. Pushing to extremes to make the start, then heading for the finish, then for whatever reason you’re out of the GGR is hard. You can read between the lines on all those entrants and each has suffered with the transition back to the “ordinary” world. For some it was and still is nothing short of shocking.

Our slow boat to Finland and deserved winner of the Spirit of the GGR Award Tapio has arrived home to a hero’s welcome. We are still waiting for IGOR, but Tapio for me was an end for sure. Over time we all experienced this unlikely hero in a personal way. To see his honor fleet of Optimist dingys and kids out sailing the last mile alongside was poignant for me. I know it would have been extremely emotional for him. Inspiring kids is everything and part of what the GGR means to Jane and me. There is an amazing back story to this man, as is the case for most GGR sailors.

Mark and Susie sailing together on the last leg of the AZAB are about to enter a storm before reaching Falmouth. It will be the first storm Susie has seen since her last in the Southern Ocean and while not as severe, I am sure they will have some interesting and maybe cleansing conversations. It has been hard for Susie. Ertan sails the same AZAB as training for 2022.

Abhilash is the family man with a GGR baby boy and life is full. Full includes dream time 2022. Gregor lives his life over the horizon, still tracking and wondering about his boat. For now it still gives a pulse. Are Wiig dreams of another GGR without rushing. His money BOX is empty but filling. Loic enjoys life like only a Frenchman can. Family, food and fun with a burning ambition to find a sponsor when the rest will fall into place. Philippe has moved on and now struggles to find a balance selling PRB and Antoine has new plans not far off which could mean a return!
Nabil went bush, extreme hair and beard, trimmed for trophies! Is he 2022? Capt. Coconut is back at work, then retiring around 2022? Istvan retired from the GGR for sure and Kevin was not dreaming of boats while waiting in the Que to top Everest. Francesco’s boat remains for sale with a new 2022 entrant just now looking to buy!

UKU loves playing DAD! and husband looking back on life and forward with excitement, while JL VDH now captains a club racer. He takes continuous bookings to tell his story and what a story it is, still ongoing with plans a plenty!

All our friends in Les Sables are enjoying a Hot summer, Celine is still organizing, Christophe is still shooting, Caroline still translating for me and Jesse and Tina still cutting the GGR Doco in Australia. Barry has officially retired!!!! but he hasn’t, as you will soon see. Yannick and Aida are doing a fantastic job of working hard in and for Les Sables being Yannick and Aida and all the LSO team Nathalie, Matthew , Lionel and Eric etc and our fantastic volunteers are busy with continuous events at Le Sands! We miss them all.

Jane and I are in the Tonga GGR Office on our boat EXPLORER on the land. Work is slow prepping for a re-launch, so arrival and kids Optimist sailing is delayed at the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club till then. Yes, it has been hard for Jane and me too. More than once we catch each other staring at the ceiling. I have not been able to write my usual “Thoughts Column” for months, even when I knew I must, and people were asking. It was impossible, as our strong emotions with entrant arrivals were high and often hidden.

Yes, GGR has been a HUGE high in our lives! Some said it would never happen. It did thanks to many. After all my expeditions it is the same. You are emotionally drained. When you stop the routine, it starts a reaction. You need to stop and dream again.

WE wait now for the Global media summary, but we know it was a success because it was! We prepare and discuss with GGR 2022 sponsors and 23 new entrants. The fun continues and it is now one year since Sir Robin Knox Johnston fired the cannon that began a journey like no other. Three years to go! There is a lot to write about. The book is underway. There is a lot to see and the Documentary will expose incredible stories, energy and emotion that will forever make this 2nd edition live on.

And now there is the Ocean Globe Race! It has been a long-held secret, but part of the original plan from 2014 when the GGR was conceived. Somehow, I have become an event organizer by default and not the sailor I intended. When I see all these characters, the fun and joy, the intense emotion up and down and very strong heartfelt friendships that will last a lifetime, I have no regrets. Jane is the same. She feels immensely proud that together, all of us, including you have created something from nothing. It will happen again and the OGR and GGR are perfect sisters.

Thanks to all of you the GGR family. What an incredible adventure it is, was and continues to be. WOW! Here we go again…. Life hey!

Don

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