round the world yacht race 2022

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Latest News: 2026 Golden Globe Race – Two years to go!

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GGR winner Kirsten Neuschäfer named female 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year

The Race Returns.

6 september 2026, sailing like it's 1968, follow the race.

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The Golden Globe Race remains totally unique in the world of sailing and stands alone as the longest, loneliest, slowest, most daring challenge for an individual in any sport.

2026 Skippers

Pat Lawless

• Nationality: Irish
• Country of Entry: IRELAND
• Boat: Saltram Saga 36

• Nationality: Australian / South African
• Country of Entry: AUSTRALIA
• Boat: Atkins Eric 32 Suhaili Replica

Matthew Wright

• Nationality: Australian
• Boat: Rustler 36 Masthead Sloop

Guido Cantini

• Nationality: Italian
• Country of Entry: ITALY
• Boat: Vancouver 34 Classic

Edward Walentynowicz

• Nationality: Canadian
• Country of Entry: CANADA

• Nationality:
• Country of Entry: USA
• Boat: Endurance 35

Alan Lillywhite

• Nationality: British
• Country of Entry: UNITED KINGDOM
• Boat: Biscay 36 Sloop

Stephen Wraith

• Boat: Cape George 36 (Proposed)

• Country of Entry: TURKEY
• Boat: Biscay 36

Javier Lapresa

• Country of Entry: SPAIN
• Boat: Endurance 35 (proposed)

Olivia Wyatt

• Boat: Ta Shing Panda 34

• Boat: OE 32

Matt Woodside

• Boat: Cape George 36

Andrea Lodolo

• Boat: Rustler 36

Daniel Alfredsson

• Nationality: Swedish
• Country of Entry: NORWAY

Andrew Ritchie

• Nationality: German
• Country of Entry: GERMANY

Joel Harkimo

• Nationality: Finnish
• Country of Entry: FINLAND

Henry Wootton

• Boat: Cutter-rigged Cape George 36

Gunnar Christensen

• Nationality: USA
• Boat: Hans Christian 34

Oleg Schmidt

• Nationality: Russian

Louis Kerdelhué

• Nationality: French
• Country of Entry: FRANCE
• Boat: Biscay 36 Masthead Ketch

Mathys Delmere

• Nationality: Swiss
• Boat: Elizabethan 35

Colm Walker

Larry Schmid

• Nationality: American
• Boat: Union 36 Cutter

Special Invitation Entry

Confidential entry, the race in numbers.

"When I first heard about the 2018 GGR I thought it was a great idea, why not do it, reach out to people who have the ambition to do something special with their lives." Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Patron of the Golden Globe Race

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Golden Globe Race

The start of the 2022 Golden Globe Race. Photo: Ville des Sables d’Olonne – Christophe Huchet

The third ever edition of the Golden Globe Race started in late 2022. The first was in 1968, which was followed many years later by the race’s rebirth in 2018. 

What was unique about the Golden Globe race?

The original Golden Globe Race was the first race around the world solo without stops or any outside assistance. 

The GGR remains one of sailing’s best known events, capturing the hearts and minds of a global audience. It also began a thirst for single handed round the world racing that continues to this day. 

The first participants in 1968 are well known, whether it is the eventual triumph of Britain’s Sir Robin Knox Johnston over his arch rival Frenchman Bernard Motissier, or the tragic story of Donald Crowhurst (the story of which is the subject of the film, The Mercy ). 

It was then, and remains today, a serious undertaking for anyone hoping to achieve it. Even in the modern era racing around the world solo and without assistance remains a very difficult task to achieve. Despite many trying, many attempts still end in failure (though not usually with tragic outcomes).

To put the challenge into some perspective, more people have travelled into space than have raced around the world alone and unaided. 

That original race saw sailors able to set off on their voyage within a fairly wide window of opportunity, with the only rule being that the first person to complete a lap of the globe would be declared the winner. 

Recently the race has been reborn with a round the world race being held in 2018, attempting to capture something of the adventuring nature of those early intrepid sailors. 

The event was a success and, as such, another edition will be held this year, as contestants set off on the Golden Globe Race 2022.

The same organisers of the 2018 and 2022 Golden Globe have also announced another reto race in the form of the Ocean Globe Race , which will look to recreate the Whitbread Round the World race of old.

What is the Golden Globe yacht race?

The 2022 Golden Globe Race is a solo, nonstop yacht race around the world with no assistance and without the use of modern technology.

This means the skippers can’t use GPS, chartplotters, electric winches, autopilots, mobile phones, iPads or use synthetic materials like Spectra, Kevlar or Vectron.

Their only means of communication is via registered, licensed maritime-approved HF Single Side Band (SSB) Radio, with discussions generally limited to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) weather. They are allowed to listen to HAM radio, but are not allowed to transmit.

Where does the Golden Globe race start and when?

The 2022 Golden Globe Race will start on 4 September 2022 from the port of Les Sables d’Olonne on France‘s Atlantic coast.

Over the years this has become the effective home of round the world racing, with a variety of modern events starting from this French venue. 

The best known is the Vendée Globe, which is essentially the modern version of the Golden Globe Race, with participants racing highly technologically advanced yachts around the world at blistering speeds.   

Who was the winner of the 2022-23 Golden Globe Race?

• Kirsten Neuschäfer – SOUTH AFRICA – Winner of the 2022-23 Golden Globe
• Abhilash Tomy – INDIA – Second place in the 2022-23 Golden Globe
• Michael Guggenberger – AUSTRIA – Third in the 2022-23 Golden Globe

Skippers still racing but now in the Chichester class (those who have made 1 stop):

• Simon Curwen – UNITED KINGDOM – Winner of the 2022-23 Chichester class – for those who have made 1 stop

Who is competing in the 2022 Golden Globe Race?

Chichester class – for those who have made 1 stop

• Jeremy Bagshaw – SOUTH AFRICA 

18 skippers started the 2018 race on 1 July 2018, with just five finishing, so it is not expected that all these skippers will make it to the finish. 

2022-23 Golden Globe Race retirements

• Edward Walentynowicz , (Canada), Rustler 36, Noah’s Jest
• Guy deBoer , (USA), Tashiba 36, Spirit
• Mark Sinclair (Australia), Lello 34, Coconut
• Pat Lawless , (Ireland), Saltram Saga 36 , Green Rebel
• Damien Guillou , (France), Rustler 36, PRB
• Ertan Beskardes , (UK), Rustler 36, Lazy Otter
• Tapio Lehtinen , (Finland), Gaia 36, Asteria
• Arnaud Gaist – FRANCE
• Elliott Smith – USA
• Guy Waites – UNITED KINGDOM
• Ian Herbert-Jones – UNITED KINGDOM

Jeremy Bagshaw on his 2022-23 Golden Globe Race

• July 20, 2023

A lifelong sailor, Jeremy Bagshaw started sailing as a child in an Optimist dinghy before moving onto Fireballs and Lasers. He raced offshore while at university and prior to Golden…

Michael Guggenberger on his 2022-223 Golden Globe Race

• July 18, 2023

Originally, Michael Guggenberger planned to take part in the 2018 Golden Globe Race, but delayed until the 2022 edition to allow more time to prepare. This paid off for the…

Abhilash Tomy on his 2022-23 Golden Globe Race

• July 13, 2023

In 2013, Abhilash Tomy became the first Indian to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world, via the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Horn and Cape Leeuwin, aboard the…

Simon Curwen on his 2022-23 Golden Globe Race

• July 11, 2023

Chichester Class winner Simon Curwen tells Katy Stickland all about his experience taking part in the 2022-23 Golden Globe Race

How I survived a dismasting in an 80 knot storm in the middle of an ocean

• July 7, 2023

Cape Horn gave me a good beating, and I needed to sort some problems on the boat, so I anchored off Picton Island in the lee of the Horn. It…

Kirsten Neuschäfer on her 2022-2023 Golden Globe Race

• July 5, 2023

Winning the Golden Globe Race meant everything to Kirsten Neuschäfer; her ambition would not only drive her, but would also leave her frustrated and despondent, especially when she became trapped…

Guy Waites crosses the 2022 Golden Globe Race finish line

• June 19, 2023

Guy Waites has crossed the finish line of the 2022 Golden Globe Race. The Scarborough skipper completed his solo circumnavigation of the world with two stops

Jeremy Bagshaw: the final finisher in the 2022 Golden Globe Race

• June 9, 2023

South African skipper Jeremy Bagshaw has finished the 2022 Golden Globe Race after weeks of punishing north-easterly winds and a broken forestay left him crawling towards the finish line

Michael Guggenberger is third in the 2022 Golden Globe Race

• May 12, 2023

Austrian skipper Michael Guggenberger has come third in the 2022 Golden Globe Race, having been one of the most prepared entrants in the race

Golden Globe Race: Michael Guggenberger approaching Biscay

• May 5, 2023

Michael Guggenberger has passed the Azores and is expected to cross the finish line next week

IMOCA Route

IMOCA - The Ocean Race 2022-23 visits nine iconic international cities over the six-month period, starting from Alicante, Spain in January 2023 and finishing in Genova, Italy at the end of June.

The start of the 14th edition of The Ocean Race will follow the Reyes holiday period in Spain, and sees the foiling IMOCA fleet departing on a 32,000 nautical mile (60,000 km) race around the world.

The first leg is a 1,900 nautical mile sprint from Alicante to Cabo Verde, the first time the Race has stopped at the African archipelago. Historically, the fleet has sailed past the islands as they head south down the Atlantic. Whilst in Cabo Verde, The Ocean Race will take part in its famed Ocean Week, with a focus on local and international sustainability issues.

Leg 2 will start on 25 January and see the fleet racing across the equator, south to Cape Town, the 12th time the Race has stopped in the southern tip of Africa, making it the most visited stopover in this edition of the event. This will also be the first of three ‘haul-out’ stops, where the boats will be lifted from the water for maintenance.

Next up is a record-breaking leg - the longest racing distance in the 50-year history of the event - a 12,750 nautical mile, one-month marathon to Itajaí, Brazil.

In the finest tradition of The Ocean Race, this leg takes the IMOCA sailors down to the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties of the Southern Ocean. Antarctica is to the right and the fleet will need to pass all three great southern Capes - the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn - to port, without stopping, for the first time.

There will be another extended, haul-out stopover in Itajaí, Brazil, following this epic southern leg before racing resumes heading north, through the doldrums, across the equator and up to Newport, Rhode Island, on the east coast of the United States.

From there, the Race returns to Europe, with a transatlantic leg to Aarhus, Denmark, followed by a Fly-By of Kiel, Germany en route to a stop in The Hague, The Netherlands.

Then, it’s the final offshore leg - the Grand Finale - to Genova, Italy, for a Mediterranean finish to the race.

Kiel fly-by

Genova the grand finale.

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Golden Globe Race starts: 16 sailors prepare for 9 month isolation

• Helen Fretter
• September 4, 2022

The 2022 Golden Globe Race, the ‘retro’ race inspired by the first non-stop solo around the world race in 1968, set off for its second modern-day running today.

Sixteen sailors – 15 men, and one woman – started from Les Sables d’Olonne today, on the 2022 Golden Globe Race, the ‘retro’ non-stop solo circumnavigation that is expected to take up to 9 months.

The Golden Globe Race, which eschews modern technology, sees the skippers competing on ‘vintage’ production yachts, with no regular access to modern communication or navigation systems, making it one of the most isolated sporting events in the world.

The 16-boat Golden Globe Race fleet leave Les Sables d’Olonne

Tough start for 2022 Golden Globe Race

The fleet departed western France today in sun and light winds, however, a north Atlantic low is soon expected to bring stronger headwinds.

Meteorologist Christian Dumard explains: “After a start in good conditions, the depression located to the west of the Celtic Sea will bring sustained winds from the south-west. It will be followed at the end of next week by the remnants of Cyclone Danielle, which formed in the middle of the Atlantic. It is therefore in a dominant south-west to west flow that the competitors will sail to Cape Finisterre, then probably to the latitude of Lisbon. A sea state will build with waves that could reach 4 meters. Skippers hopefully will then be able to hook into the Portuguese trade winds, these famous northerlies, which will allow them to sail downwind towards the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde Archipelago.”

A split is expected to form in the fleet, with those confident to push themselves and their yachts in the opening days expected to head west for stronger breezes, while those seeking milder but more uncertain weather are likely to hug the Spanish coast.

The famous canal of Les Sables d’Olonne lined with crowds to see the fleet off

Golden Globe Race returners

The entry list is varied, with a wide range of nationalities, motives and sailing experience across the fleet. 

It includes four returning skippers. Finnish skipper Tapio Lehtinen is the only sailor to have completed the Golden Globe Race in 2018/19 who is entering for a second time. He finished as the 5th and final entrant to complete the course non-stop, despite extensive barnacle growth slowing his progress to a crawl. He returns with the same yacht, but a – hopefully – greatly improved antifoul protection.

Australian Mark Sinclair , known as ‘Captain Coconut’ also returns. Sinclair completed his circumnavigation after initially putting into Adelaide in 2018, then restarting in order to enter the 2022 race. He endured severe weather on the return leg both rounding Cape Horn, and crossing Biscay, and was in a race against time to prepare his Lello 34 to be ready for his second race start.

Ertan Beskardes is another returner, having set off in 2018 but retired early feeling unprepared. While Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy is one of the most famous skippers in the fleet, having been dramatically rescued after being knocked down, dismasted, and badly injured in the 2018 race. After undergoing spinal surgery, he’s re-entered with a Rustler 36.

Tapio Lehtinen’s S&S designed Gaia 36 is the oldest yacht in the race. Photo: Ocean Frontiers OGR/ GGR/CG580

Retro yacht choices

Rustler 36s dominated the last race, with the first four finishers all the British classic design. This year four more Rustlers will be competing, including one of the likely favourites, Damien Gillou’s PRB . Gillou is a well known ocean racer and boat captain who has meticulously prepared many IMOCA 60s and grand prix race boats, and his PRB is a stunning example of how to bring a production cruising yacht up to racing specification.

Other highly fancied entrants include Simon Curwen, a British sailor who partly lives in France, and also holds the record for the best Mini Transat result scored by a British solo sailor when he finished 2nd in 2001 to none other than Yannick Bestaven, the winner of the most recent Vendée Globe.

Kirsten Neuschäfer is the sole female skipper in this year’s race and was the skipper many of her competitors named as looking fast on the water in her Cape George 36 cutter. Neuschäfer has worked with Skip Novak on expedition sails, so is well versed in both sailing in, and preparing a yacht for, the Southern Ocean.

American skipper Elliott Smith is the youngest entrant in the Golden Globe Race

Every skipper has a unique story to tell. Pat Lawless is following in his father’s footsteps, after he was the first Irishman to sail solo around the world, aged 70. Guy Waites is returning to solo racing, having competed in the Jester Challenge in a Contessa 26 10 years ago, then taking part in two Clipper Round the World Races, as first mate and skipper. American sailor Guy de Boer campaigned in Olympic classes, but has yet to cross an ocean solo, while his compatriot Elliot Smith is the youngest entrant, aged 27.

Updates for 2022 Golden Globe Race

For the second running of the race there have been some significant changes. The start date has moved from early July to September, in order to ensure the fleet do not arrive in the south in mid-winter, and also that those that make the return passage across Biscay avoid the European winter storms.

There are also more compulsory marks of the course – including rounding the Brazilian island of Trinidade to port, and ‘film drop’ gates at the Canary Islands, Cape Town, Tasmania, and Punta del Este – which remove many of the tactical choices of the race.

Some skippers voiced concerns the the new route could make it something of a drag race, others that navigating closer to shore – and shipping – for the film drop gates by sextant without GPS or chart plotters could potentially be dangerous. However, organisers will be keen to avoid a repeat of 2018 which saw  four boats abandoned during challenging rescues.

There have also been changes to the technology allowed – which this year includes weather fax. However, skippers’ only means of communication is via  HF Single Side Band (SSB) Radio . They may monitor HAM radio, but are not allowed to transmit (an effort to avoid sone of the controversy of the last race). They may hail fellow competitors or other vessels for information, but otherwise are limited to what they can deduce from sextants, barometers, and weather fax.

Damien Guillou, Simon Curwen and Kirsten Neuschäfer took the early lead – you can follow the fleet at goldengloberace.com

We’ll be running regular updates on the fleet’s progress, while our sister title Yachting Monthly has skipper profiles of every entrant.

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She went around the world in 235 days to win sailing's most grueling competition

Scott Neuman

South African sailor Kirsten Neuschafer beat 15 rivals in the 2022 Golden Globe Race, a grueling, nonstop, round-the-world sailing competition. She is the first woman in the race's history to have taken first place. Kirsten Neuschafer/GGR2022 hide caption

South African sailor Kirsten Neuschafer beat 15 rivals in the 2022 Golden Globe Race, a grueling, nonstop, round-the-world sailing competition. She is the first woman in the race's history to have taken first place.

After 235 days alone at sea in a tiny fiberglass boat, South African Kirsten Neuschafer sailed to victory on Thursday in the 2022 Golden Globe nonstop, round-the-world race, crossing the finish line a day ahead of her closest rival.

In sharp contrast to the rough conditions she experienced during much of her voyage, Neuschafer, aboard her 36-foot Minnehaha, spent the last few hours with almost no wind, inching into the same harbor at Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, that she and 15 competitors departed on Sept. 4.

This race is a nonstop sail around the world. Cassette tapes are allowed, but no GPS

All but three of those entrants were subsequently forced out of the grueling race, regarded by many as the most challenging competition the sailing world has to offer. One boat sank in the Indian Ocean, with Neuschafer sailing to the skipper's rescue. Several others lost their masts or experienced other problems.

The Golden Globe is a unique race in which participants are not allowed to use most modern electronics to find their position at sea, relying instead on celestial navigation. It is a reboot of a famous 1968 race that resulted in the first nonstop, unassisted circumnavigation — a feat so rare that even today, more people have gone into space. The race was revived in 2018, and Neuschafer is now the first woman to win.

"I knew before I started that a large aspect of this race is luck and a large aspect is preparation," Neuschafer told NPR by satellite phone in February as she was about to round Cape Horn, where she faced 55 mile-per-hour winds and seas of 25 feet.

"The single-handed aspect was the one that drew me," she said of her decision to enter the race. "I really like the aspect of sailing by celestial navigation, sailing old school."

Neuschafer's closest rival, Abhilash Tomy, an Indian navy commander, is about a day behind her. Another competitor, Austrian sailor Michael Guggenberger, is not expected to finish for several more days.

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Our Man On The Ground Travel and Lifestyle

Global travel and lifestyle magazine, golden globe round-the-world yacht race 2022.

Mark Nicholls heads to the French resort of Les Sables d’Olonne for the start of the Golden Globe single-handed round-the-world yacht race.

Les Sables d’Olonne has all you expect of a French harbour town: narrow alleys, a quaint fisherman’s quarter, wonderful seafood restaurants and long stretches of sandy beach.

A salty aroma wafts along the channel that links the sea to the expansive quays where row after row of yachts and motorboats are moored.

This is, after all, the capital of single-handed round-the-world yacht racing, a claim to fame this resort on the west coast of France cherishes.

Intrepid sailors

Set on the Atlantic coast, it is the departure and finish point for two of the most challenging round-the-world races; the Vendée Globe, and the Golden Globe.

The latter is a throwback to racing in days past, with the vessels skippered by intrepid sailors deprived of the sophisticated technology of the sleek Vendée Globe yachts, and instead setting off with little more than a sextant, compass and paper maps to guide them.

The circumnavigation for these 35-footers does take a little longer – around 250-300 days compared to 80 days for Vendée Globe entrants.

Perilous weather

While at sea, Golden Globe competitors are unassisted and have little contact with the outside world, land, or family and friends, and only receive warnings of the most perilous weather conditions.

Founder and Race Chairman Don McIntyre points out:

“These guys are totally isolated, it is a unique challenge, they are on their own.”

As a result, the 16 vessels and skippers – including one woman Kirsten Neuschäfer from South Africa – have to pass stringent safety requirements and have proven sailing ability just to make it to the start line and receive the coveted “green card” to compete.

Traditional skills

The vessels have to be designed before 1988 and meet strict dimensions of 32-36 foot yet be robust enough to withstand navigation through the world’s treacherous oceans.

British skipper Ian Herbert-Jones tells me a couple of days ahead of departure:

“It’s a victory just to make it to the start line.”

He has been preparing for the race for three years but his yacht Puffin, a 35-foot Tradewind built in 1986, has a pedigree and was one of five finishers from the 18 starters in the 2018 race, which was only the second time the Golden Globe was staged since 1968, when yachting legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, now 82, won.

As the official starter for 2022, Sir Robin is delighted with the ongoing revival of the race:

“It is a great event because we are hanging on to traditional sailing skills.”

Coastal jewel

Round-the-world yacht racing has put Les Sables d’Olonne on the map as a coastal jewel in the Vendée region of pleasant towns and villages, natural landscapes and an irresistible cuisine, with a big focus on seafood.

Sailing remains a huge aspect of the resort, with the quay crammed with vessels of all shapes and sizes. But with its lovely ambience, fish markets, and narrow alleys lined with shops and bars, the appeal of Les Sables d’Olonne is far wider, and is also a steppingstone into the Vendée’s relaxed way of life.

Set in a south facing bay, its sandy beaches are ideal for swimming and surfing, while inland are forest areas and marshlands where hiking, cycling and horse-riding are popular.

Salt marshes

The salt marshes surrounding the coastal town underpinned its wealth and importance as a trading centre in centuries past, but today are popular for leisure activities.

A little way inland are the shallow waters of the former salt producing areas, which are popular for canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding and make for a pleasant hour or two passing through small channels.

Elsewhere, the raised paths of the saltpans have become routes for walking, cycling, venturing off on e-scooters. With fat tyres suitable for the terrain, they are quite different to city centre rental scooters, but are an exhilarating way to traverse the landscape or head off further into routes through forested areas.

Sardines and tuna

With a long-standing maritime heritage, Les Sables d’Olonne remains the fourth biggest French fishing port.

Its origins lay in whaling before a shift to cod fishing in the 17 th century and in more recent times to sardines and tuna, which underpins much of its industry today.

It is no surprise that seafood is central to the menus of the resort, but you can also shop for it in the covered markets of the town.

Moules mariniere are a favourite in many quayside eateries, such as Restaurant les Patagos in Port Olona, or if you are feeling hungry, plump for one of the magnificent seafood platters at the Fleur de Thym restaurant with an array of whelks, oysters, prawns, langoustines and crab. The markets are also great places to buy fresh bread, fruit and vegetable, meat and other produce.

Maritime heritage

If you are inspired and want to further absorb this maritime heritage, wander the older district of Chaume with quiet back streets with small fisherman’s houses, churches, murals on walls, or pop into a traditional side street café.

Walk on further and you find yourself along the channel that connects the sea and the harbour entrance, dominated on the rocky shoreline by the Priory of St Nicholas, defended by iron cannons pointing out to sea.

While the resort is separated by channels, they are criss-crossed by river buses, linking each part of the town.

Carefree ambience

Head off in another direction into the centre, where the Notre Dame Church is hemmed in, and you come out at the covered market with all its produce.

Wander round and cut through to the promenade and walk barefoot on the beach or take a refreshing sea swim.

Sunday mornings brings out the locals; promenading, swimming, performing yoga and tai chi on the beach, or walking, as a form of group exercise through the pull of the waves.

Yet in contrast to this carefree coastal ambience, the levels of activity were picking up within the Golden Globe race village.

Final preparations

As the clock ticked towards departure, skippers made final preparations, conducted interviews, and said farewells.

While some had rousing send-offs, others slipped quietly from their berths for the months of solitude, lack of sleep and physical and mental challenges that lay ahead.

It posed the question, why do it?

For some, it was a one-off, once-in-a-lifetime challenge; others saw it as one adventure in a career of further ocean-going racing exploits; while some were seasoned racers wanting to stretch their skills to the limit.

Landmark goals

For Ian Herbert-Jones, 52, from Shropshire, there was the personal challenge, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to sail single-handed around the world unassisted.

Having said farewell to his wife Sally, 21-year-old twin sons Thomas and Owen, and daughter Emma, 16, he remained acutely aware of the psychological challenge of not being able to contact family and friends.

A former soldier and now a sales director with a software company, he aims to complete the race but has also set landmark goals; getting to Cape Town or Australia, whilst meeting the risks of sailing in the Southern Ocean with high fierce winds, the 50-foot waves, and the possibility of capsizing.

Emotional farewells

With cabins crammed with food and other bare essentials, and a reliance on rainwater capture to drinking water, it was just after 1.30pm on the afternoon of Sunday, September 4 th , that Puffin and the other vessels left the shelter of Port Olona.

It was to be a last contact with home, loved ones, support crews and supplies, until the end of the race, possibly 300 days away.

From emotional farewells on the quayside, and the harbour walls of Les Sables d’Olonne lined with well-wishers, the competitors were followed out into the open sea for the official start by a flotilla of press boats, small vessels and official craft, as well as two French Navy ships just out to sea.

Returning to Les Sables d’Olonne

As the clock ticked on to 4pm local time, a blast from the horn of the naval vessel signalled the start of Golden Globe 2022.

The race has a high attrition rate as the small vessels battle some of the most ferocious seas and weather conditions on earth, but among the skippers there is this huge desire to complete the race and return to Les Sables d’Olonne.

Funnily enough, that’s my goal too.

Having discovered the resort and its attractions, I also made a vow to return, though not with a single-handed 250-day round-the-world yacht journey in between.

Mark Nicholls flew easyJet from London Gatwick to Nantes with a 90-minute transfer to Les Sables d’Olonne. There are also good rail connections with Paris.

Accommodation: The Originals Boutique Admiral’s Hotel , close to the marina.

Paddle boarding at Terrasse des Salines: www.lessalines.fr

E-scooters: www.libert-e-trott.com

Vendée Tourism: www.vendee-tourism.co.uk

Les Sables d’Olonne: www.lessablesdolonne-tourisme.com

Golden Globe Challenge at-a-glance

The Golden Globe Challenge originally took place in 1968 as the first solo, non-stop, round-the-world race and was won by Robin Knox-Johnston. It was revived in 2018 on the 50 th anniversary and won by 73-year-old Jean-Luc Van Den Heede after 212 days at sea. The third edition retains the core, solitary, ethos of the earlier editions without technical assistance and GPS and using the same equipment as the first race in 1968. But it allows for greater interaction with competitors with five points of passage where the skippers can transmit photos and videos.

The 2022 skippers include Guy Waites, Ian Herbert-Jones, Ertan Beskardes and Simon Curwen from the UK; South African skipper and the only woman, Kirsten Neuschäfer; Pat Lawless from Ireland; Abhilash Tomy from India; American sailors Guy de Boer and Elliott Smith, at 27, the youngest competitor; and Canadian Edward Walentynowicz, at 69, the oldest.

Boats must be production models, designed before 1988 and be no longer than 35 feet.

For more information or to follow the race, please visit: www.goldengloberace.com .

Mark Nicholls is an award-winning freelance travel writer and author, based in the UK and has written for a range of national titles, specialist magazines and international websites and operated as a war correspondent in locations such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Photographs by Mark Nicholls

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diYachting was founded by Matt and Lizzie Abbiss almost 20 years ago in 2001 and specialises in chartering sailing yachts over 60ft and this month they have announced that their 88ft (26.82m) flagship yacht, Vivid, […]

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Past Events

Royal docks finale celebration: clipper round the world yacht race finish 2022.

The Royal Docks will play host to a spectacular finale celebration as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race finish event will take place next to Royal Albert Dock on Saturday 30 July.

This free event is perfect for all ages and will feature the arrival of the Clipper Race fleet in Royal Albert Dock in a breath-taking 'Parade of Sail'. Cheer on the winning crew, celebrate with friends and soak up the dockside party atmosphere at this exciting summertime event, which will also feature a main stage with live music and entertainment, as well as delicious food and drink.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other. With no previous sailing experiences necessary for crews, it’s a record-breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht.

Starting from 12pm, there’ll be live music from format female DJ Miss DJ Candy, North London-based indie pop artist Natalie Shay and international saxophonist, songwriter and composer Tyler Rix and his band.

That should get everyone in the mood, with the winners and the award ceremony to take place between 2 and 4pm, as we bear witness to the ‘Parade of Sail’ and find out much more about each crew’s incredible journey.

Such a journey and accomplishment deserve celebrations that truly reflect the size of the achievement. From 4.30pm, we’re going into overdrive, with live music on the main stage by singer songwriter Rita Campbell and multi-instrumentalist and songwriter All Pearse, who form PARC.

We’ve got Groove Empire, the ABBA tribute band ARRIVAL and everything is topped off by the closing act – Ivor Novello award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Betty Boo, who’ll be doing the do between 8 and 9pm.

There is so much going on all day, with performers like the Comedy Sailors, Roller Skating Crews, the Silver Darlings all creating a vibrant atmosphere, while street food will be served all day while the Old Street Brewery will be offering a selection of craft beers, ales and much, much more.

Royal Albert Dock, E16 2QU

Nearest Transport: DLR (Royal Albert) Schedule with Timings:

09:00 - Yachts Leave Southend Pier

11:00 - Clipper Race Dome opens doors for early attendees

12:00 - Royal Docks Finale Celebration Event Opens (DJ Candy, Natalie Shay, Tyler Rix and Band)

14:30-16:30 - Parade of the yachts, presentations and award ceremonies

16:30 - Festival Entertainment Programme Continues (DJ Candy, Groove Empire, ABBA Tribute Band - ARRIVAL, Betty Boo)

21:00 - Royal Docks Finale Celebration Event Closes

Time & date

For your visit, new arrival, royal albert dock.

This new commercial heart for London will stretch from Royal Albert DLR almost as far as Cyprus.

Places To Stay

Travelodge london excel.

A good budget choice, eight minutes walk from the ExCeL centre.

Art & Culture

Making space: take your place.

This final part of Jessie Brennan’s public art series was created in collaboration with the sports communities at Royal Docks Adventure.

Similar events

11-29 May 2023

Sea Change brings global artists together with leading UCL academics, inspired by research into sustainable responses to the current climate emergency.

Royal Docks Spring Festival

Tues 9 april-sat 4 may 2019.

This month-long series of events celebrates biodiversity across the Royal Docks.

Daedalum at GDIF

Fri 21-sun 23 june 2019.

This fantasia of domes and tunnels is a beautifully abstract piece of art for everyone to explore and enjoy.