Circumnavigation: Kirsten Neuschäfer continues to lead the Golden Globe Race at Cape Horn
The Indian Abilash Tomy remains in second place in the Golden Globe Race with a gap of just under 500 nautical miles. The Austrian Michael Guggenberger is currently in third place, around 1,300 nautical miles behind the leader. Kirsten Neuschäfer still has a good chance of not only finishing the race, but winning it, having rounded the last major cape and with the prospect of more moderate weather. If she crosses the finish line of the Golden Globe Race, she will be only the seventh woman to complete a non-stop solo circumnavigation of the globe on a boat under 60 feet. If she wins, she will be the first woman to win a single-handed round-the-world race. Kirsten Neuschäfer already made headlines when she rescued the Finn Tapio Lehtinen from distress at sea ( more here, please click ).
Golden Globe Race: Retro race like in the 70s
This edition of the Golden Globe Race is the third, or more precisely the second of the modern era. In 1968/69, the first ever solo non-stop race around the world was sailed, the "Sunday Times Golden Globe Race". For the anniversary 50 years later, a solo non-stop regatta around the world was to take place again - at least that's what Don McIntyre had in mind. His event motto: "The Race returns - sailing like it's 1968". When the enterprising Australian circumnavigator and initiator of adventurous sailing events announced his idea, it met with a great response. Skippers from all over the world entered the Golden Globe Revival four years ago. In the end, 17 crossed the starting line off the harbour town of Les Sables-d'Olonne. The hurdles for qualification were already high back then.
Only older series long-keelers are authorised
The organisers also want to reflect the spirit of the times of the former Golden Globe Race with the specifications for the boats. Only series-produced cruising yachts with a long keel that were built before 1988 and are between 32 and 36 feet long are permitted. The permitted equipment on board and the rules are intended to be reminiscent of 1968 and manifest the character of a retro regatta. For example, no electronic aids to navigation may be used. As in the past, navigation is done with paper charts and sextant, with a towed log and compass. Communication is also rudimentary compared to today's offshore regattas: it takes place solely via radio. Epirb and satellite phones are only on board for emergencies and to communicate with the organiser.
However: The older, supposedly tried and tested yachts are obviously no guarantee of reliability and consistency. Only four of the 13 starters are still in the race. A failure rate that makes the filigree Imocas from the Vendée Globe and the Ocean Race seem downright reliable and solid.
Current video from the organiser
Golden Globe Race 2022: What has happened so far
- Golden Globe Update 14: Storms, breaches and capsizes in the South Pacific
- Golden Globe Update 13: Knockdown knocks Simon Curwen out of the running
- Golden Globe Update 12: Chasers pass the Hobart stopover
- Golden Globe Update 11: Simon Curwen reaches Hobart first
- Golden Globe Update 10: Bowsprit breakage and vegetation slow down sailors
- Golden Globe Update 9: Why it sank " Asteria " ?
- Golden Globe Update 8: Neuschäfer rescues Lehtinen from distress at sea
- Golden Globe Update 7: Emotional moments off Cape Town
- Golden Globe Update 6: Cape Town in the wake, Neuschäfer in second place
- Golden Globe Update 5: New breach on board the "PRB"
- Golden Globe Update 4: Three new videos from the high seas
- Golden Globe Update 3: Sailors reach first media stop
- Golden Globe Update 2: Shipwreck at Guy de Boer in the Canary Islands
- Golden Globe Update 1: Break, comeback and the first task
Golden Globe Race: more on the topic
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
