Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

German Philipp Hympendahl is the 50th entry in the Global Solo Challenge

by Global Solo Challenge 21 Jul 2022 12:40 PDT
Philipp Hympendahl © Global Solo Challenge

Philipp is the first German entry in the Global Solo Challenge, bringing the total number of nationalities represented by skippers to 15.

The core values of the GSC, reaffirmed through the partnership with TÜV Thüringen Italia, are those of inclusion, financial and environmental sustainability. We are very please to have created an event with such a vast appeal. These same values stuck a chord with Philipp who had long been dreaming of a solo nonstop circumnavigation.

As a photographer and filmmaker he will certainly bring the event to life with fascinating pictures and footage of this once in a lifetime adventure. We are very proud to have hit the incredible milestone of 50 entries and we're not sure we've seen the end of it, we already have a 51st entry to announce from the US and others who are in the process of finalising their decision.

The first hurdle for all skippers is to align time, family, finances and preparation to make it to the start line, there will certainly be some who won't be able have all planets align, but with such a strong entry list it is already a record breaking event, considering it is a solo, unassisted, nonstop, circumnavigation!

Interview

Where does your passion for sailing come from?

I started as a kid. My father circumnavigated the world and although family and kids changed priorities for a while. Sailing never got out of my head.

What lessons have you learned from sailing?

Alone on the ocean things count and decisions matter. Being respectful and humble to your environment, playing with the elements and accepting the rules, you will be rewarded by a universe of great moments.

What brought you to like single-handed sailing?

It is the most intense experience of nature and your own emotions, not filtered by someone else.

Nothing is more sublime, nothing makes me feel more alive and happy. The more I sailed single handed the more I love it.

What prompted you to sign up for this event?

I was dreaming of a nonstop circumnavigation for a long time. Now it seems the right time for me and the event fits to my sailing philosophy. Plus, I like the idea of a budget and environmental friendly solution.

How do you plan to prepare for this event?

Get a good boat, prepare the boat and do anything I can to be the best version of myself on the starting line.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?

Besides the stressful next year, it will be the last days in the marina before departure, I hate waiting. From my experience, before a big challenge everything that can happen goes through your imagination, but you can't do anything. In the event, things can also go wrong, but you are able to react and find solutions.

Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.

I will sail with a similar boat than the one I had the last 7 years, just bigger. I have a Sigma 36 or a Oyster 41 I will soon purchase. I will keep the systems as simple as possible, technology always fails, it is just a question of time. To finish you have to have a very reliable boat, that is what I aim for.

Do you intend to link your personal challenge to a social cause?

As I have the environmental issues on my personal agenda since I was young, my personal message is: Growth kills, use less! That is why I like the idea of the race to prefer older boats instead of building new ones.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A project like this is unrealistic without help. I am proud to have a small team that supports me and I still need some sponsorship to get to the starting line. As the only German entrant and being totally committed I am positive to be successful. As a photographer and filmmaker I am not just begging for money. I am confident to be able to give a lot back to those who support me. Thanks to my team, hoping to see it grow from now on.

Sailing experience

A long time in my life I was a cyclist and became a ultra cyclist, going on long distance events and races. Besides endurance that taught me the confidence to go through tough times, knowing it will get better again.

I sailed a lot with my father when I was young. Sailed from Guatemala to Tahiti in my twenties, I was part of the Lapita Voyage Expedition 2008.

I owned a Mini 6.50, did some regattas and since seven years have my beloved half-tonner AFRICAN QUEEN. I did a winter journey round Denmark recently, sailed to France, England and just come back from a big north sea circle journey, all single handed.

Related Articles

Ronnie Simpson returns to Global Solo Challenge
Already rounding all three of the Great Capes will aid him in 2027-2028 event We are incredibly pleased to welcome back Ronnie Simpson as an entrant in the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. His participation in the 2023-2024 edition left an indelible mark on the event and its global following. Posted on 19 Feb
Pablo Gonzalez Parodi enters Global Solo Challenge
A highly experienced sailor with over 100,000 nautical miles under his belt The Global Solo Challenge continues to attract passionate and determined sailors from around the world, and we are thrilled to welcome our 14th entrant, Pablo Gonzalez Parodi. Posted on 11 Feb
Ivan Dimov returns to the Global Solo Challenge
Originally from Bulgaria and now residing in Tuscany, he epitomizes the spirit of the race As new incredible speed records are being set at the Vendée Globe on the latest generation foiling IMOCAs, non-elite sailors and those unable to assemble massive budgets inevitably seek alternatives. Posted on 13 Jan
Dealtry Pickford signs up for the GSC 2027-2028
Global Solo Challenge is thrilled to welcome the Cape Town sailor The Global Solo Challenge is thrilled to welcome Cape Town sailor Dealtry Pickford to the lineup for the 2027-2028 edition. Posted on 24 Dec 2024
Sylvain Canet enters the Global Solo Challenge
He discovered his love for the sea and sailing as a young boy Following Italian skipper Marcello Queirolo's recent entry, Sylvain, a seasoned sailor with over 50 years of experience, brings his lifelong passion and expertise to the event. Posted on 20 Dec 2024
Marcello Queirolo enters the Global Solo Challenge
It is proving to be one of the most accessible and internationally diverse solo sailing events It's been an incredibly busy time behind the scenes at the Global Solo Challenge (GSC), as the event continues to gain remarkable momentum. Posted on 19 Dec 2024
Sam Glover enters the Global Solo Challenge
His entry marks an important moment in a personal journey to push his limits We are thrilled to announce the entry of British sailor Sam Glover into the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. Sam, who lives and works in London, joins the list of skippers officially entered in the next exciting edition. Posted on 12 Sep 2024
Fraser Flight enters the Global Solo Challenge
Bringing a wealth of knowledge and a strong determination to the race We're excited to announce that Fraser Flight, an experienced professional mariner, has officially joined the lineup for the Global Solo Challenge (GSC) 2027-2028, becoming the 8th confirmed participant in the second edition of the event. Posted on 28 Aug 2024
Brian Gray enters Global Solo Challenge 27-28
Interest in the event continues to grow We're thrilled to introduce the latest entrant in the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028, which will begin and end in the picturesque setting of Vigo, hosted by the Real Club Náutico. Posted on 31 Jul 2024
GSC 2027 Presentation and Press Conference
At the Real Club Náutico de Vigo on Tuesday I am excited to invite you to the Real Club Náutico de Vigo for the presentation of the 2027-2028 edition of the Global Solo Challenge from its new host city of Vigo and its new host port and partner, the Real Club Náutico de Vigo. Posted on 22 Jul 2024
Palm Beach Motor YachtsZhik 2024 DecemberRooster 2025