2018 Golden Globe Race - Overall report

Robin Knox-Johnston aboard Suhaili at the finish of the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race - Golden Globe Race Bill Rowntree - PPL http://www.pplmedia.com

2018 Golden Globe Race Chart © Barry Pickthall

“The idea of a solo race that returns to the golden era of sailing has obviously hit a cord,” says Don McIntyre, the Australian race founder, As a result, entry has been extended from 20 to 30 competing yachts. Competitors will race standard 32-36ft long-keeled production yachts designed prior to 1988, and carry only the equipment that was available to Sir Robin back in 1968 – nothing more than HF and VHF radios, a sextant and a barometer – to sail 30,000 miles around the globe non-stop and unassisted.

Tradewind 35, one of 13 traditional long keeled production yachts, type-approved for the Race © Barry Pickthall

That means no GPS, no electric auto pilots, no computers or wind instruments, no satellite phones or iPods.' Says McIntyre enthusiastically, adding 'This race takes us back to the pre-digital era when men like Sir Robin faced only the elements, and not other competitors with unlimited budgets and a shore team to talk them through every weather change.'

Don McIntyre, the Australian founder of the 2018 Golden Globe Race © Barry Pickthall

Sailing commentators are just as enthusiastic...

Bob Fisher….80 year old yachting journalist supremo had this to say…“I can only make excuses. Would love to do it but my work schedule goes past the start date! Otherwise, in a heartbeat.”

Elaine Bunting, Editor of Yachting World magazine, in her coverage of the Golden Globe launch said…“Part of me rather fancies a crack at it myself. ”A week later she commented…“I think you've awoken something really interesting and really big.”

Herb McCormick Executive Editor of Cruising World magazine said …“it certainly sounds like the right idea at the right time.”

The Race will take around 300 days. For more information click here.