His boat, the "Argo", is unmistakable with its bottle-green sails. Together with nine other boats, Christian Sauer set off for Lanzarote on his self-built Globe 5.80 boat on Saturday afternoon. In light winds and a slight swell, the small fleet bobbed across the starting line off the coast of Lagos in sunshine and 16 degrees. Two other boats had already set sail the day before in the hope of encountering more favourable conditions further south.
A special first stage
The official start of the Globe 5.80 Transat Race will not take place until 11 January 2025 off Marina Rubicon on Lanzarote. Nevertheless, the first leg is very important for many participants as it serves as a qualification for the Transat race: only those who successfully complete this leg can then take part in the race across the Atlantic. In addition, the crossing to Lanzarote is the first major practical test for many of them, which they complete with their self-built boats. This was also the case for Christian Sauer.
No time to gain experience
Sauer has not yet been able to gain any real experience with his "Argo", build number 103. The boat only left the workshop where he had been working on it for around two and a half years in mid-December. Shortly before Christmas, it was then transported by trailer to Lagos, where he has been working hard over the last few days to finalise all the preparations before the launch.
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Swift crossing expected
The first time the "Argo" was under sail was during a test run on 24 December. Now Christian Sauer is about to spend several days at a time on his 5.80 metre long boat. He will probably need five days to cover the 550 nautical miles to Lanzarote. A moderate wind from the north-east should push the fleet swiftly towards the Canary Islands.
First Antigua, then around the world in stages
After their arrival on Lanzarote, the participants can make final preparations and stock up on provisions before crossing the Atlantic on the Globe 5.80 Transat on 11 January. The boats are expected to arrive in Antigua at the beginning of Februaryfrom where they will continue sailing in stages around the world on 23 February.
