The GGR team was made aware of social media posts by Mara’s media manager that appeared to breach various GGR rules. A preliminary assessment made it clear that a detailed investigation was required to establish the extent of the breach, which related to over 13 significant posts. Mara was notified on 28th October. The following report covers that investigation and the final results that led to Mara deciding to retire from the GGR.
Summary of Findings and Penalties – Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth (SHOWGIRL)
Following a detailed investigation into the activities of Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth and her shore-based management and media team, the McIntyre Golden Globe Race Organisation has determined that multiple breaches of the GGR Notice of Race, Window Live Code of Conduct and Starlink usage regulations have occurred. These include the unauthorised publication of restricted onboard footage, repeated breaches of permitted media publication limits, and the unauthorised use of the Starlink system to transmit private footage and logistics communications to the shore team. These matters are particularly serious given the clear instructions, briefings and previous warnings provided to Mara and her team. The Race Organisation considers that these actions undermine the fundamental principles and ethos of the Golden Globe Race, including fairness, agreed restricted communications and equal treatment of all entrants.
As detailed in the accompanying document, the Race Organisation has determined that 2 of these breaches warrant disqualification from the McIntyre Golden Globe Race. However, in recognition of the spirit of the event and the desire to allow Mara to complete her solo circumnavigation, both disqualifications are to be held in suspension, allowing her to continue as a full entrant subject to the conditions outlined. The remaining penalties include permanent removal from the GGR Window Live system and reinstatement of a previously suspended 6-day time penalty, bringing the total to 16 days, to be served in the North Atlantic while sailing north towards Les Sables-d’Olonne.
On 6 November, Mara and her management team were given 24 hours to review this document, consider the findings and proposed penalties, and provide any comments, corrections or representations to show due cause why the penalties should not be applied. The Race Organisation would then finalise its decision. Subsequently, Mara formally resigned from the 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe Race on 7 November.
This was unfortunate. Everyone enjoyed having Mara as an entrant in the 2026 McIntyre GGR and the GGR team supported her entry with great enthusiasm. Mara is a competent sailor with a well-prepared boat, sailing well in the GGR. Under the Notice of Race, we have a responsibility to act fairly and consistently towards all entrants, while fulfilling our responsibilities as organiser and owner of the Golden Globe Race. Upholding the integrity of the race is critical. We wish Mara all the best with her continued voyage and future adventures. GGR are very mindful of ensuring a smooth transition for all of Mara’s safety and security arrangements currently associated with the GGR, as she transitions to her new adventure. We wish her every success and thanks her and her team for the previous support of the GGR.
Background, Determinations and Penalties
Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth | SHOWGIRL | 6 November 2026
Background
1. Original Window Live Briefings – The Rules Were Clearly Explained
Both Mara and Doc attended the combined Window Live briefings held at our office in Les Sables-d’Olonne before the race. During these briefings, GGR explained in considerable detail how the Window Live system would operate, including restrictions on transmitting high-definition camera footage.
In particular:
- The Window Live Black Box has an SD card slot, allowing footage recorded on cameras such as GoPros to be uploaded to GGR ONLY through the system by inserting an SD camera card.
- GGR explained that uploading high-definition footage would take considerable time and incur substantial transmission costs, and this is NOT part of the WINDOW LIVE screening.
- More importantly, there was no practical advantage in doing so, because GGR would only release this footage 1 month after the GGR prize-giving ceremony.
- The recommended procedure was therefore to retain the SD camera cards and arrange for their collection in Lanzarote or Hobart and at the end of the GGR.
2. Documentary Production and Restricted Footage
GGR made it clear to all entrants during entrant briefings, in the NOR (G.3), Entrant updates and in signed “talent release and liability forms”, that while footage use was restricted, special arrangements were available for documentary filmmakers wishing to begin post-production before the race ended. In such circumstances, an “approved production company” could enter into a signed agreement with GGR, allowing access to otherwise restricted footage for editing post-production purposes. However, the agreement would prohibit any public release of that material until 1 month after the prize-giving ceremony. This is in line with the restrictions in the GGR NOR.
GGR has received no approach from Mara’s team identifying a documentary production company, or executive producer seeking such an agreement. Consequently, no special arrangement exists that would permit the Showgirl team to access this restricted onboard camera footage.
3. Restrictions on Window Live Broadcast Material
The rules governing the time slot on WINDOW LIVE and the reuse of material already broadcast on the official GGR WINDOW LIVE YouTube channel are equally clear. Entrants are given set scheduled transmission times each day. 24 hours later entrants may use set amounts of vision from those LIVE broadcasts on their own social media accounts. Entrants and their teams were permitted to use:
- 4 individual clips of up to 45 seconds each, taken from material already publicly transmitted on WINDOW LIVE.
- 1 weekly summary of up to 5 minutes, also taken exclusively from previously broadcast material on the WINDOW LIVE.
The Code of Conduct makes it clear among other things, that these “clips” and the 5-minute summary must remain standalone productions. They cannot be combined into longer programmes, documentaries or other productions designed to circumvent the restrictions. This is a fundamental requirement.
The Showgirl media manager specifically contacted GGR by email seeking clarification on footage use and Code of Conduct on Sept 10th 2026. GGR responded and reinforced the requirements once again, including:
- No cropping or alteration of images to remove GGR branding.
- No removal of GGR logos.
- Strict compliance with the 45-second clip limitation.
- Strict compliance with the 5-minute weekly summary limitation.
- No combination of permitted clips into longer productions.
There was no misunderstanding within the Showgirl team about these restrictions following this email. The Media manager was also advised that they were already breaking these rules and it must stop immediately. It is indisputable that Mara, Doc and the media manager are all aware of the rules.
Furthermore, it is the responsibility of Mara, her manager and media management team to ensure that everyone working on their behalf understands and complies with the Notice of Race and Code of Conduct.
To be clear, the entrant manager is also responsible for complying with all aspects of the Notice of Race and any breach of those rules by a manager or Team member can penalise the entrant.
4. Specific Breaches
When GGR became aware of possible problems, Mara’s team was asked to supply detailed reports on all identified breaches of the Code of Conduct and NOR. They couldn’t compile the information because they lacked the necessary resources or manpower. GGR has therefore agreed to focus on just two examples that provide the basis and context for our investigation, assuming that if proven, there are multiple other breaches. Mara’s team agreed.
A. Day 42 – The 90-Second Video
The Showgirl team published a video approximately 90 seconds long, despite the applicable limit of 45 seconds. This is a breach of the 45-second restriction in the Code of Conduct. However, zero footage came from the WINDOW LIVE transmission. It was all previously unseen footage.
B. The 10-Minute, 10-Second Video Summary
The Showgirl team published a weekly summary video lasting 10 minutes and 10 seconds. This breaches the 5 minute restriction in the Code of Conduct. However, only 3 minutes came from the WINDOW LIVE transmission. 6 minutes was previously unseen footage. The Showgirl team stated that the production combined material covering 2 weeks. Combining separate weekly allowances into a longer production is specifically prohibited.
More seriously, the production contains material that had never been publicly broadcast on GGR WINDOW LIVE. This raised the question of how that footage reached the Showgirl media team.
Investigation showed it originated from raw camera files uploaded from Mara’s boat through the Window Live BLACK BOX, without GGR knowledge or permission.
Her team had access to download segments of the WINDOW LIVE transmissions only, but then also immediately downloaded all of Mara’s camera card footage.
5. The Most Serious Issue – Unauthorised Use of Starlink
The Notice of Race (NOR) contains specific restrictions governing the use of the Mini Starlink system, including a provision allowing disqualification in the event of prohibited use. The Window Live system and its associated Starlink connection were provided for specific GGR purposes, not as a private satellite communications and media distribution service for individual entrants which is banned.
Investigations showed that Mara has been uploading substantial quantities of raw, high-definition camera footage through the system. This footage was not requested by GGR. GGR was not informed that these uploads were taking place. GGR had not authorised the transmission or use of these files by her shore team.
Investigation revealed that Mara filmed direct “on camera” messages and logistics instructions to her team.
They were discovered embedded in those 100’s of camera card files. It must be assumed Mara did not expect these to be discovered amongst the huge number of downloaded files.
This method of communication is strictly banned. Mara was previously warned NOT to send logistic messages via the usual WINDOW LIVE broadcasts. Embedding messages secretly in video clips is a serious breach of trust by the entrant. Communication like this is a banned use of the Starlink system.
Mara was aware that this was not allowed under the Starlink rules and aware of the consequences that are in BOLD RED in the NOR (G.2)
This represents unauthorised use of the satellite transmission system for private purposes.
These actions directly undermine a fundamental principle and ETHOS of the Golden Globe Race. GGR entrants compete under strict restrictions on modern technology and communications. GGR promotes these principles publicly.
Mara’s actions and use of the race’s satellite infrastructure to operate what is effectively a private media production and distribution service with no connection to the WINDOW LIVE transmission, Code of Conduct, or NOR is indisputable. It is clear Mara’s actions may damage the race’s credibility and the fairness of the rules applied to all competitors.
Determination of Breaches and Penalty Actions
- Entrant: Helga Marie (Mara) Løvenskiold Kveseth
- Yacht: SHOWGIRL
- Responsible parties. Mara, Mara’s Manager and Media Manager.
- Event: McIntyre Golden Globe Race 2026
- Date: 6 November 2026
Following consideration of the available evidence relating to the use of the GGR Window Live system, associated media publications and Starlink communications, the following determinations have been made.
1. Breach of the 45-Second Window Live Publication Limit
It has been established that Mara’s manager and media manager published a 90-second video update, presented as material from the GGR Window Live system. This exceeds the permitted maximum of 45 seconds for individual Window Live promotional extracts.
Determination: The breach of the Window Live Code of Conduct is confirmed.
2. Breach of the 5-Minute Weekly Summary Limit
It has been established that a weekly summary of approximately 10 minutes, incorporating Window Live transmissions, was published on Mara’s team social media channels. This directly contravenes the Window Live Code of Conduct, which permits a maximum 5-minute weekly summary.
Determination: The breach of the Window Live Code of Conduct is confirmed.
3. Unauthorised Transmission and Publication of Embargoed Onboard Footage
It has been established that, on multiple occasions over several weeks, Mara’s management and media team published video footage recorded aboard SHOWGIRL that had not previously been broadcast through the official GGR Window Live system.
Under the GGR Notice of Race, such onboard footage is subject to an embargo prohibiting publication until at least 1 month after the official GGR prizegiving ceremony. The footage was transmitted by Mara to her management and media team on the TRIPEAK Black Box without the knowledge or authorisation of GGR.
Determination: The unauthorised transmission and subsequent publication of embargoed onboard footage ( NOR G.3) constitute confirmed breaches of the GGR Notice of Race and the Code of Conduct.
4. Unauthorised Use of Starlink for Logistics Communications
It has been established that Mara used the onboard Starlink system to transmit video-recorded messages containing logistics information directly to her shore-based management team. This use falls outside the specifically authorised purposes of the Starlink facility and contravenes the restrictions governing external communications and assistance under the GGR Notice of Race.
Determination: The unauthorised use of Starlink to communicate logistics information ( NOR G.2) to the shore team constitutes a confirmed breach of the GGR Notice of Race and Code of Conduct.
5. Conduct Bringing the Golden Globe Race into Disrepute
Having considered the repeated breaches of the Window Live Code of Conduct, the unauthorised transmission and publication of restricted footage, and the misuse of Starlink communications, it is determined that Mara has demonstrated a serious disregard for the rules, conditions and fundamental ethos of the Golden Globe Race.
The cumulative nature of these actions has brought the event into disrepute and undermined the principles of fairness, restricted communications and equal treatment of entrants.
Determination: The cumulative conduct constitutes grounds for the application of further penalties under the relevant provisions of the GGR Notice of Race and Code of Conduct.
Determination of Penalties
- Entrant: Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth
- Yacht: SHOWGIRL
- Event: McIntyre Golden Globe Race 2026
- Date: 6 November 2026
Following the determination of breaches of the GGR Notice of Race, Window Live Code of Conduct and Starlink usage regulations, the Race Organisation has determined the following penalties.
1. Bringing the McIntyre Golden Globe Race into Disrepute
For conduct determined to have brought the McIntyre Golden Globe Race into disrepute, the applicable penalty is disqualification from the Golden Globe Race.
Penalty determined: Disqualification.
2. Unauthorised Use of the Starlink System
For breaches of the regulations governing the authorised use of Starlink under the GGR Notice of Race, the applicable penalty is disqualification from the Golden Globe Race.
Penalty determined: Disqualification.
3. Further Breaches of the GGR Window Live Code of Conduct
Following the determination of 4 further breaches of the GGR Window Live Code of Conduct, and taking into consideration previous breaches and warnings, the Race Organisation has determined that Mara will be removed from participation in the GGR Window Live system.
This privilege is withdrawn, and Mara will no longer be permitted to participate in GGR Window Live transmissions.
Penalty determined: Removal from the GGR Window Live system.
4. Reinstatement of Suspended Time Penalty
Mara was previously awarded a 10-day time penalty, with a further 6 days suspended on the express condition that no additional Code of Conduct breaches occurred.
As further breaches have now been established, the previously suspended 6 days are reinstated.
The resulting total time penalty is 16 days, to be served in the North Atlantic while sailing north towards Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Penalty determined: 16-day time penalty, including reinstatement of the previously suspended 6 days.
5. Final Decision – Suspension of Disqualification Penalties
In recognition of the spirit and ethos of the McIntyre Golden Globe Race, the Race Organisation has determined that the two disqualification penalties outlined above will be held in suspension. Accordingly, Mara may continue racing along the GGR course as a full entrant in the McIntyre Golden Globe Race 2026.
However, the following penalties remain fully applicable:
- The 16-day time penalty, to be served while sailing north in the North Atlantic towards Les Sables-d’Olonne.
- Removal of all privileges to participate in the GGR Window Live system.
- The 2 disqualification penalties remain suspended, allowing Mara to continue her full participation in the GGR subject to no further Notice of Race penalties.
This decision reflects the Race Organisation’s intention to uphold the rules, fairness and fundamental principles of the Golden Globe Race while permitting Mara to continue her GGR solo non-stop unsupported race around the world.
Don McIntyre
Founder and Race Chairman
