Tell me, Mr Hympendahl, why have you decided to travel round the world after all – non-stop and solo?
As a sailor, I have set myself this goal. The books by Moitessier and Erdmann have sparked a longing in me to sail round the three capes. I’ve spent a lot of time sailing solo, and this is the ultimate dream – perhaps comparable to Mount Everest for mountaineers, although that has now become far too popular. I’m particularly drawn to the challenge of the Southern Ocean. I’ve set myself this goal and am determined to achieve it.
What makes the Global Solo Challenge format so appealing?
The Global Solo Challenge offers the chance to take part on a smaller budget and with different types of boat – whilst still having a genuine chance of winning. I particularly like the idea that almost all technical aids are permitted. This helps to prevent cheating.
It is an exciting format that makes it possible, in the semi-professional arena, to sail such a course over the long term using an old boat with just a few modifications.
You’ve already made your first attempt in 2023. Now it’s time for the second. What’s 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 really did learn from it. The main mistake last time was a lack of time. I didn’t know whether there would be a second edition, and I was determined to be part of the first one. Looking back, that was a mistake.
On top of that, there was a series of unfortunate events. The boat market was a difficult one. Despite all the precautions – the shipyard manager and the surveyor were present during the inspection – the boat was damaged. This was followed by a frustrating chain of events that I could no longer change.
After that, I went through a long period of heartache. But I also used that time to really develop my sailing skills. With my 9-metre boat, I sailed the Atlantic Circuit and Tour of England I’ve been sailing. I’ve learnt an awful lot in the process. Now the campaign lies ahead of me. Just like in a game of chess, I’ve gone through all the possible moves.
What are the cornerstones of this campaign?
The most important factor is undoubtedly my own motivation. Without it, nothing works. The second factor 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 offers a huge number of advantages for the way I sail.
It will sail much like my old boat, but will be considerably more stable and faster – without me having to start from scratch. So the pillars are: the knowledge I’ve gathered, the many partners, companies and advisers, the good boat, and the time I have available. Even so, time is short; I need to get a move on.
You’ve already promoted your project at boot Düsseldorf and on social media. What has the feedback been like so far?
The feedback has been consistently positive. Of course, the critical comments aren’t directed at me personally, but on the whole, the positive feedback clearly outweighs the negative.
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Overall, however, it is striking that Germans’ interest in regatta sailing is rather muted. Once the regatta is under way, and people can follow me on the tracker, it’ll be a thrilling story. But even now, many find it hard to imagine what that will be like.
Is that also the case when it comes to sponsors?
You have to look at this in a nuanced way. Sailing is fundamentally different from supporting a football team. It involves a number of risks. In football, match dates, media schedules and TV broadcast times can be clearly planned – in sailing, it’s different. What’s more, Germans aren’t particularly keen on taking risks. They hesitate and wait until absolutely everything is sorted out.
It all kicks off in August 2027. What specific steps are next?
I’ve just sold my old boat, the ‘African Queen’. This means I’ve got a bit of budget to spare again. Next up are some refit works on the boat before it goes into the water. I also need to complete a 2,000-nautical-mile qualification and get the boat ready for the Global Solo Challenge.
Unfortunately, most of my time isn’t spent actually sailing, but on campaign management. It would be much easier if I had the right budget or a team. However, I do it all on my own.
Fabian Boerger
Editor News & Panorama