Lloyd Davey returns to take on the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028

by Marco Nannini 7 Dec 2025 03:30 PST 28 February 2026

Lloyd Davey – TAQUA II – Borealis (Warwick Buckley) © Global Solo Challenge

We are pleased to announce the return of Lloyd Davey as an official entry in the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. Lloyd was previously entered in the inaugural edition and, after circumstances forced him to withdraw, he has carried ever since the feeling of unfinished business. The time has come to give his circumnavigation dream another chance.

Lloyd's journey into sailing began with windsurfing on a small London lake, eventually leading him offshore and into the world of single-handed voyaging inspired by the great solo sailors of the past. His pragmatic, quietly determined approach—focused on patience, seamanship, and keeping both skipper and boat safe—aligns closely with the spirit of the GSC.

He will take on the Challenge aboard TAQUA II, a 13.3-metre self-built strip-plank cruiser-racer designed by Warwick Buckley and configured for short-handed sailing. After following the 2023-2024 edition closely and drawing inspiration from the resilience shown by many skippers, Lloyd returns stronger and more prepared than before.

We are delighted to welcome Lloyd back to the event and look forward to following his preparations as he works toward crossing the start line in 2027 in Vigo, Spain.

About the skipper:

Name: Lloyd Davey
Nationality: UK
Resides in: Mérillac, France
Born in: 1961
Miles sailed: 15,000+

Lloyd Davey – TAQUA II – Borealis (Warwick Buckley) - photo © Global Solo Challenge

Where does your passion for sailing come from?

My very first experience with wind power was on a windsurfer on a small lake (pond), in the middle of a housing estate in London. It was hardly an auspicious start for a sailing career, but there was something I just loved about the notion of harnessing the wind to get to where you wanted to go.

I became obsessed with windsurfing, and over the next few years I progressed to the early short boards and started to sail in more extreme conditions.

Although windsurfing and sailing are different sports, I learned a lot about the power of the wind and the sea, which served me well later on.

In the early 80's, a friend asked me if I'd like to go out for a sail on his pocket cruiser on the river Medway one weekend. I wasn't overly interested in sailing boats at the time, and they seemed to be pretty complicated compared to a windsurfer, but being up for something new I accepted.

The conditions were far removed from the glossy ads in the sailing magazines, with a grey sky and light to moderate northerly wind, but when we got back on the mooring I knew that I'd fallen under the spell.

I started to read all I could on the subject, and I realized that with experience and the right kind of boat, it was possible to go almost anywhere by sea, just using the power of the wind. I had found my new passion.

What lessons has sailing taught you?

My personal take away would be that it's very important to be patient and not to become irritated, because a passage has taken longer than you hoped, or that the wind and sea didn't perform as you'd wished. My priority now is to be as comfortable and safe as possible in any given situation, and not be hung up on how long it took.

What brought you to like single-handed sailing?

At first single-handing was something of a necessity, because it's unrealistic to expect crew to turn up as soon as they're required just because there's a good forecast. I also knew that if I was to undertake the long trip that I was planning, then I would have to be confident in sailing and navigating alone.

Then there was the influence of the books I was reading on the great single-handers. I'm still obsessed to this day by the storey of the original Golden Globe in 68.

What motivated you to sign up for this event?

Then there was the influence of the books I was reading on the great single-handers. I'm still obsessed to this day by the story of the original Golden Globe in 68.

How are you planning to prepare for this event?

I was entered for the first addition of the GSC, but had to pull out due to a host of issues.

To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement, and ever since I've felt like it was unfinished business.

I know that I'm in a much better place than I was three years ago, so decided I owed it to myself to give it another go.

What do you think will be the greatest challenge?

This is probably the same answer I gave last time, and that is just keeping it all together and getting over the start line.

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

Taqua II is a self built 13.3m strip plank cruiser racer designed by Warwick Buckley, fitted out and rigged for short handed sailing, She has fractional rig with roller Genoa and inner for stay for a hanked on reefing jib or storm gib and a fully battened main.

Do you intend to associate your personal challenge with a social cause?

There are a couple of charities that I've been in contact with that may be interested in getting involved.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Having followed the GSC avidly during and since the last edition, I was inspired by how the other skippers dealt with some overwhelming issues, and now, by Ronnie Simpson despite losing his boat, is coming back for a second attempt!

Sailing achievements or racing palmarès

The only real experience I have is the preparation to get to the start line, and I know It isn't easy, so I see that as being the first half of the challenge, and then once at sea, it will be the daily challenge of keeping myself and the boat in shape, heading in the right direction and staying out of trouble for months on end.