Global Solo Challenge shares vision for 2027 with Real Club Náutico de Vigo

Real Club Náutico de Vigo (RCNV) – Paco Riveras, Marco Nannini, Tone Pérez Castro, Paco Quiroga (CEV) © Global Solo Challenge

During a visit to Vigo in July 2025, Global Solo Challenge organiser Marco Nannini met with the leadership team of the Real Club Náutico de Vigo (RCNV), reaffirming the club's commitment to hosting the start and finish of the 2027-2028 edition of the round-the-world sailing event.

The meeting at the Yacht Club was both warm and productive, bringing together newly elected president Antonio "Tone" Pérez Castro, Jaime Garcia, and Sailing & Marina lead Paco Riveras. It was an opportunity to congratulate Tone on his appointment at the helm of the club during its centennial (1926-2026), and to lay the groundwork for a renewed collaboration.

President Pérez confirmed the RCNV's support for the Global Solo Challenge, first announced in 2024 under the leadership of former president José Antonio Portela. Discussions covered the race schedule, event logistics, and opportunities to host pre-start initiatives at the club, all pointing toward a strong and unified approach to delivering a successful 2027 edition.

This shared vision reflects the broader momentum of nautical tourism in Galicia. As Xosé Merelles, Director of Turismo de Galicia, recently stated: "El turismo náutico está ganando referentes en Galicia" (Nautical tourism is gaining ground in Galicia). With 73 recreational ports offering over 10,500 berths, and 6,321 visiting vessels in 2024 generating nearly 37,000 overnight stays and €7.5 million in revenue, the region is becoming a magnet for the global sailing community.

Merelles also pointed to major events that have helped put Galicia on the map, such as the Volvo Ocean Race departure from Vigo in 2005 — the first time the race ever started outside the UK — and the 52 Super Series held in 2022 and 2025. The Global Solo Challenge itself contributed to this growing legacy, with its inaugural edition starting and finishing in A Coruña in 2023-2024. The move to Vigo for the 2027-2028 edition brings an international sailing event to the region's calendar, with the naturally protected waters of the Ría de Vigo offering ideal conditions for greater public participation and improved spectator access.

This approach aligns with the strategy outlined by Luis López, the Xunta de Galicia's delegate in Vigo, who has emphasized the role of sport in regional development and the desire to attract major international events across Galicia. The Global Solo Challenge, with its focus on sustainability, inclusion, and adventure, fits squarely within this vision.

The GSC team looks forward to continuing preparations alongside the Real Club Náutico de Vigo and contributing to Galicia's emergence as a leading destination for world-class sailing.

GSC 2027 entries: