It is a real test of endurance, a tactical balancing act and another stage of an adventurous journey: The 13 sailors of the Mini Globe Race 2025 set off on their 7,200 nautical mile route to Fiji more than a fortnight ago. According to the organisers, they have already had to overcome numerous challenges.
Beginning at the start under oppressive heat in Balboa, Panama, at 33 degrees and calm. Due to the adverse conditions, some participants used their electric outboard motors to pass the start line - an exception that the race organisers allowed due to the heavy shipping traffic.
A race with initial setbacks
The leg got off to a less cheerful start for several sailors. Keri Harris and his Origami (build number 47) missed the start by twelve hours. On the first leg from Antigua to Panama, he capsized and his Globe 580 filled up with several hundred litres of water. This caused the electrical systems to burn out, he lost his solar panels and his wind steering system was damaged. This led to a hectic stay with countless repairs in Panama and ultimately delayed his launch.
There were also delays for the Australian father-son duo Mike and John Blenkinskop. They have not yet been able to leave the harbour in Panama as they are waiting for important spare parts. As soon as these arrive, they plan to follow the 13 Globe 580s that have already been launched.
Slump becomes a daily companion
Those already underway benefited from the favourable current in the first few days and made good progress towards the southwest. However, they quickly found themselves in the windless area of the squid belt near the equator. "I woke up and we sailed back towards Panama. It was like a cosmic joke," reports British sailor Jasmine Harrison (Numbatou).
The daily distances travelled dropped from 120 to less than 20 nautical miles in some cases. Constant sail changes became routine. "I tried every conceivable sail combination. No sooner had I settled in than the wind shifted and I had to go back on deck," says Harrison.
Between frustration and fascination
Despite all the adversity, the sailors also experience special moments. Irishman Jakub Ziemkiewicz on his "Bibi" fulfilled a lifelong dream with a swim in the middle of the ocean. Keri Harris filmed bioluminescent dolphins at night and Christian Sauer on his "Argo" swam with hundreds of colourful fish under his keel - and unintentionally also with eight oceanic whitetip sharks.
However, the special conditions at sea forced the German to make a short stopover on the Galapagos Islands after he led the Mini Globe Race fleet for a time. He had to seek medical help due to a serious skin infection. However, with ointments and new bandages, he was able to continue his journey again quickly.
Problems with the electricity
The organiser reports that some participants are having difficulties with the power supply restrictions on board. The race organisers have decided to reduce the solar power to 200 watts and the battery capacity to 200 ampere hours. "These restrictions are intended to ensure that nobody is overly reliant on electronics," explained organiser and race director Don McIntyre. The aim is to encourage sailors to rely more on wind control. McIntyre emphasised: "The Globe 580 should be simple and reliable."
Swiss Renaud Stitelmann once again in the lead
Now that the trade winds have arrived, the race is presumably picking up speed. The Swiss Renaud Stitelmann and his "Capucinette" once again lead the field and sail a constant 135 miles per day. Already in the qualifying race, the Globe 5.80 Transatand the first stage of Antigua to Panama Stitelmann was able to maintain the lead. Some of the participants still have more than 2,000 nautical miles to go to the Marquesas Islands, where a stopover lasting several days is planned. After that, another 3,000 miles lie ahead to the final destination of Fiji.
