Golden Globe Race: "Captain Gugg" crosses the finish line - the podium is complete
Tatjana Pokorny
· 12.05.2023
Michael Guggenberger, also known as "Captain Gugg", has mastered the Golden Globe Race. The Austrian reached the finish line off Les Sables-d'Olonne on the morning of 12 May after 249 days, 17 hours, 42 minutes and 24 seconds alone at sea. Like the winner Kirsten Neuschäfer and Abhilash Tomy before him, Michael Guggenberger can now also look back on an exceptional performance.
On the finish line of his Golden Globe Race, he threw both arms up in euphoria and smiled with the Breton sun. After Norbert Sedlacek, who sailed to eleventh place in the 2008/2009 Vendée Globe, Michael Guggenberger is only the second Austrian to complete a non-stop single-handed race around the world.
"An apple spritzer and a schnitzel, please"
The last few nautical miles proved to be another test of patience for the "Nuri" skipper, as a huge low-wind zone had developed off Les Sables-d'Olonne. However, the helmsman from Yacht Club Austria did not let this put him off at the end of his 29,895 nautical miles. He crossed the finish line with the wind picking up again under a bright blue Brittany sky. Michael Guggenberger was spurred on by a fleet of escort boats on the last few metres with a loud concert of horns.
The day before, the 44-year-old, who had carried out the refit for his Golden Globe Race boat himself, had already requested a modest welcome meal for his arrival: "A large cloudy apple spritzer, a schnitzel with rice and a large lamb's lettuce salad, please. And maybe an iced coffee afterwards." The circumnavigator had told race director Don McIntyre this in a conversation before his gold-painted Biscay 36 "Nuri", designed by Alan Hill, reached the finish line on Friday in remarkably good condition.
The boat is intact. How else could I have got there? It's now for sale." Michael Guggenberger
"She looks fantastic, very fit. Michael never stops working, just always does a good job," said Golden Globe Race organiser Don McIntyre on their first encounter at sea. The Austrian did have to weather a few storms. "But he was also lucky, he didn't experience anything extreme," commented McIntyre as he accompanied the "Nuri" to the finish. Michael Guggenberger later confirmed with a smile: "Yes, the boat is intact. How else could I have got there?" He immediately announced that his boat was for sale.
On the welcome stage in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France's solo sailing legend Jean-Luc Van Den Heede presented Michael Guggenberger with the flag of the Cape Horniers Association, which the Austrian earned with his solo circumnavigation, after honouring him for his achievements.
Warm welcome from the competition for Michael Guggenberger
South African Kirsten Neuschäfer won the Golden Globe Race in a time of 235 days, 5 hours, 44 minutes and 4 seconds. One day later, Abhilash Tomy crossed the finish line off Les Sables-d'Olonne. Both greeted Michael Guggenberger after his arrival in Les Sables-d'Olonne with a warm embrace and warm words. "I wouldn't have missed your arrival today for the world," said Kirsten Neuschäfer to her third-placed companion. She continued: "I have huge respect for Michael Guggenberger and have gained a good friend in this race."
The Lower Austrian has completed the podium of the Golden Globe Race. The man, who has already worked as a carpenter, emergency paramedic, restaurateur, musician and in the film world, fulfilled a dream he had been chasing for eight years after twelve years of intensive involvement in the sport of sailing. On the occasion of his arrival, Golden Globe Race founder and race director Don McIntyre drew attention to a maritime festival and the simultaneous award ceremony on 24 and 25 June in Les Sables d'Olonne. At least eight or nine Golden Globe Race boats and their skippers will be gathered there to interact with fans in the Vendée Globe harbour. "This is a great opportunity to meet the sailors in person and get to know them," said McIntyre.
Golden moments: The arrival of "Captain Gugg" in Les Sables-d'Olonne:
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