Ronnie Simpson & Sparrow complete 2,000 mile qualification sail to qualify for Global Solo Challenge

Hawaii based sailor Ronnie Simpson has successfully completed his 2,000 mile qualification sail to become an officially qualified entry for the Global Solo Challenge race; a solo, non-stop and around the world race.

The 38 year old solo sailor from America sailed his David Lyons designed Open 50 Sparrow on a 2,000 mile course that took him from inside the Chesapeake Bay, out around Bermuda and up to New England before finishing at the renowned Maine Yacht Center in Portland, Maine. Becoming the first of four Americans entered to officially qualify for the race, Simpson will now spend more than one month at Maine Yacht Center to conduct a re-fit of his yacht before sailing to Spain and preparing for his start on October 28.

Ronnie Simpson and the Open 50 Sparrow complete 2,000 mile qualification sail to qualify for Global Solo Challenge race - photo © Ronnie Simpson

During his qualifying voyage, Simpson and Sparrow saw everything from light air on the way to Bermuda all the way up to a strong gale in the Gulf of Maine that brought up to 54 knots of breeze. "The boat performed well and I always felt safe. There is still a lot of work to be done and some things I'd like to improve, but Sparrow is a good base to work with, and a strong platform. While in Maryland, we installed an entire new inventory of Elvstrøm sails as well as a Facnor structural furler and a Code Zero furler from ProFurl. Again, there are some things I'd like to iron out with the sails and how we set up the furling lines and new deck hardware, but the boat is entirely transformed with the new sails and furlers. I love it and I am super happy! For the first time since I've had the boat, I feel like I've got all of the tools in the tool box and the boat is now much more well equipped for the Global Solo Challenge", said Ronnie Simpson after arriving to the dock in Portland, Maine.

While in Portland, Maine Ronnie and his team are taking on a modest but well rounded re-fit. "We pulled the mast out a few days ago for an inspection and some rigging work, and we will pull the boat out on Monday June 26. We will prep and paint the bottom, which is a fairly big job on this boat, as well as install a grey vinyl wrap which will eventually include many of our sponsors' logos. Combine that with the new sails, rigging and furling gear and the boat will look like a new boat when we re-launch in July! We also plan to complete some interior upgrades, a new navigation table, a new autopilot computer and compass, a wind generator, a new fuel tank and some deck hardware modifications and maintenance, among other jobs", Simpson explained.

Ronnie Simpson and the Open 50 Sparrow complete 2,000 mile qualification sail to qualify for Global Solo Challenge race - photo © Ronnie Simpson

Once the Maine re-fit is completed, Ronnie Simpson plans to sail Sparrow over to Spain in early August and continue his preparations for the Global Solo Challenge. Ronnie Simpson Racing is proud to have the support of many industry sponsors and donors, and is honored to be racing to represent US Patriot Sailing, a Veteran's 501c3 sailing non-profit organization based in Annapolis, Maryland.

For more information on this campaign, please contact Ronnie Simpson directly or visit the campaign website at ronniesimpsonracing.com.