David Linger prepares his Class 40 for the Global Solo Challenge
by Dave Proctor / Global Solo Challenge 21 Jul 2023 09:45 PDT
26 August 2023 - 6 January 2024
David Linger prepares his Class 40 for the Global Solo Challenge © David Linger
An around-the-world sailing endeavor like the Global Solo Challenge (GSC) demands an immense amount of preparation and dedication. American skipper David Linger embodies this commitment. Juggling local commitments in his hometown of Seattle, he is also deeply involved in readying himself and his boat for the upcoming GSC.
Linger balances supporting local sailing events, such as the weekly sail and bar-b-que nights, with preparing participants for the upcoming Race to Alaska Race (R2AK), including his girlfriend, Lillian Miller Kuehl, who is entering the race solo.
Despite the demands of his local commitments, David has been commuting to Maine, where his yacht, 'Koloa Maoli' - a 2006 Jazz Marine Class 40, designed by Owen Clarke - is being retrofitted to his high standards by the Maine Yacht Center team. The boat, previously named 'Boland Mills', has already competed in offshore races but further work is required to meet the Global Solo Challenge Regulations which are based on the Offshore Special Regulations Cat 0 by World Sailing, with few adaptations for the event.
David's yacht is undergoing extensive upgrades, demonstrating a relentless commitment to safety and performance. The modifications began with a hard dodger coachroof installation, offering vital protection from the harsh elements of the Southern Ocean and preventing water ingress to the yacht's interior. The toe-rail has been extended around the yacht, and additional 120-litre fixed fuel tanks and a 12-volt water-maker have been neatly installed.
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