Tell me, Mr Hympendahl, why do you want to go around the world after all - non-stop and solo?
As a sailor, I have set myself this goal. The books by Moitessier and Erdmann have awakened this longing in me to sail around the three capes. I've travelled a lot on my own and this is the ultimate dream - perhaps comparable to Mount Everest for mountaineers, although that has become far too popular. The challenge of the Southern Ocean particularly appeals to me. I have set myself this goal and am determined to achieve it.
What makes the Global Solo Challenge format so attractive?
The Global Solo Challenge offers the opportunity to start with a smaller budget and different types of boats - and still have a real chance of winning. I particularly like the idea that almost all technical aids are permitted. This prevents cheating.
It is an exciting format that makes it possible to sail such a course sustainably in the semi-professional sector with an old boat and a few modifications.
You have already made your first attempt in 2023. Now comes the second. What is different this time?
The saying that you only learn from your mistakes is unfortunately true. In my case, it was very painful and also very expensive. But I have really learnt from it. The main mistake last time was a lack of time. I didn't know if there would be a second edition and I really wanted to take part in the first one. Looking back, that was a mistake.
This was compounded by a chain of unfortunate circumstances. The boat market was difficult. Despite all the precautions - the yard manager and surveyor were present at the inspection - there was damage to the boat. What followed was an annoying chain of events that I can no longer change.
I went through a long valley of tears afterwards. But I also used this time to really grow as a sailor. With my 9-metre boat, I sailed the Atlantic Round and Round England sailed. I learnt an enormous amount in the process. Now the campaign is in front of me. I went through all the possible moves like in a chess game.
What are the main pillars of this campaign?
The most important pillar is certainly your own motivation. Nothing works without it. The second pillar is that I now have a really good boat. That's what makes this campaign so different from the last one. It may be old, but it's in excellent condition! This Sigma 36 has so many advantages for my sailing style.
She will sail in a similar way to my old boat, but much more stable and faster - without me having to start from scratch. So the pillars are: the accumulated knowledge, the many partners, companies and consultants, the good boat and the time I have available. Nevertheless, time is short and I have to step on the gas.
You have already advertised your project at boot Düsseldorf and on social media. How has the feedback been so far?
The feedback is consistently positive. Of course, the critical voices don't come directly at me, but overall the positives clearly outweigh the negatives.
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Overall, however, it is noticeable that the Germans' interest in regatta sailing is restrained. When the regatta starts and I can be followed on the tracker, it will be an exciting story. But to have the imagination for it now - that's difficult for many.
Is that also the case with regard to sponsors?
You have to take a differentiated view. Sailing is fundamentally different from supporting a football team. It harbours a number of risks. In football, match dates, media dates and TV times can be clearly planned - sailing is different. What's more, Germans are not particularly willing to take risks. They hesitate and wait until everything has been finalised.
It starts in August 2027. What are the next concrete steps?
I have just sold my old ship, the "African Queen". This has freed up some budget. The next step is to rebuild the boat before it goes into the water. I also have to complete a 2,000 nautical mile qualification and prepare the boat for the Global Solo Challenge.
Unfortunately, a lot of my time is not spent on the actual sailing, but on campaign management. That would be much easier with a corresponding budget or a team. However, I do it all on my own.
