McIntyre Mini Globe Race Leg 3 to South Africa starts from Vuda Marina Fiji on 26th July
by McIntyre Mini Globe Race 18 Jul 06:25 PDT
26 July 2025
72 years old Australian entrant ERIC MARSH, sailing SUNBEAR, is the oldest MGR entrant in the MGR © Don McIntyre / MGR2025
In a world-first sailing challenge, 15 solo sailors from eight countries are navigating identical 5.8-meter (19-foot) self-built plywood yachts around the globe— The fleet has enjoyed a five week stopover in Fiji at the end of Leg 2 of the grueling 13-month, 24,000-nautical-mile McIntyre Mini Globe Race.
The next 9700 mile leg 3 is expected to be the toughest and most dangerous with the sailors crossing over the top of Australia then down into the Southern Ocean to Cape Town, South Africa.
Departure Press Conference is set for 10.30am local time Thursday 24th July at Vuda Marina to meet all entrants. Photo and interview opportunity! All covered LIVE simultaneously on MGR Facebook/Youtube. All are welcome.
Start day - 14 Yachts will depart Vuda Marina from 10.30 - 11am Local time July 26th(22.45UTC 25th July) covered "LIVE" simultaneously on MGR Facebook/Youtube and again start from 11.45am Local (23.45UTC 25th July) before the start at 1200hrs Local. One Australian Entry Mike Blenkinsop (#99 Delja99), AKA Popeye will retire in Fiji.
Departing Fiji bound for Cape Town, South Africa, the first real challenge is transiting the Great Barrier Reef, to Thursday Island or Darwin, then across to Cocos Keeling, Rodrigues Island and Mauritius before making for Durban. From there things become serious. The sailors will have to use all their skills and experience heading into the Southern Ocean, facing the treacherous AGHULAS Current with regular low pressure systems and strong head winds passing from the west. It will not be easy and they all know it! ETA to Cape Town is early December 2025 just in time for a Xmas break with family and friends!. Those making it through leg 3 will breathe a sigh of relief. The restart from Cape Town is set for Dec 28th bound for the finish at the National Sailing Academy Antigua in March 2026.
This Historic McIntyre Mini Globe Race five week stopover hosted by Vuda Marina Fiji has been a huge success for all sailors and their teams. They have enjoyed the traditional friendly Fiji experience after 12,000 Nautical Miles sailing from Portugal in December. last year. The excellent facilities in Vuda Marina made servicing and repairs a pleasure with everything needed on hand and the welcoming staff created a holiday atmosphere. In a word! They LOVE VUDA and FIJI!
Key highlights:
- Unprecedented Challenge: Competitors are racing in tiny, home built identical plywood ALMA Globe 580 boats—many built in garages and backyards across 37 countries.
- Global Adventure: After Fiji, sailors depart July 26th, heading across Australia's northern coast into the treacherous Southern Ocean, aiming for Cape Town, South Africa, by Christmas.
- Fiji's Historic Role: This marks Fiji's first-ever visit by an around-the-world yacht race, hosted by Vuda Marina. It's on again in 2029.
Quotes:
Adam Wade, General Manager & Chief Executive Officer, Vuda Marina Fiji: "This is an extraordinary adventure in unique little boats that amaze everyone who sees them. Our whole team has enjoyed getting to know and support these sailors and share some Fiji culture. These skilled solo sailors are an inspiration, and we're proud to partner with this growing international event!"
Don McIntyre, Race Organizer (Available for Interviews in Vuda Marina Fiji): "Two things are certain as we head toward the start of the McIntyre MGR on Saturday 26th. First...All the entrants will miss Vida Marina Fiji and second...they all know this leg 3 is the big one. It has an unknown outcome, the true definition of adventure. Building their boats, making the start six months ago and sailing the Pacific has been a real challenge. They each live their personal dream every day. But now it gets serious. They now look at life differently. There is no turning back. This is why they are here."
Meet the sailors:
A diverse mix of men and women, young and old, from all walks of life—united by a dream of extreme adventure. They've battled the world's toughest oceans and have enjoyed Fiji's beauty, culture, and warm hospitality and their time in VUDA MARINA.
Mini Globe Race 2025 entrants list here
Follow the race at minigloberace.com/tracker