Mini Globe Race: Christian Sauer makes an emergency stop on the Galapagos Islands

Christian Sauer, the only German participant in the Mini Globe Race, has to survive a critical phase of his Pacific crossing. Just a few days ago, Sauer in the lead. After a good two weeks at sea, the 44-year-old now had to make an unplanned stop on the Galapagos Islands.

The reason: a bacterial skin infection that developed into an abscess. In consultation with the regatta's telemedicine support team, Sauer headed for the harbour in Puerto Ayora to receive medical treatment. On his arrival, he was accompanied to the hospital by an escort.

The Galapagos challenge

The heat and constant humidity did not do Christian's skin any good, said Sauer's manager Thomas Kindermann. In addition, travelling to Galapagos was not easy, as the entry regulations are very strict for quarantine reasons. However, there are exceptions for emergencies.

Christian Sauer had to enter the island accompanied by officials. He was picked up from the boat by a military escort and taken to hospital. He then had to take the direct route back to his boat. The doctors gave him ointments. In consultation with the telemedical service, MSOS, he then obtained the necessary medication such as antibiotics and bandages from the pharmacy on Galapagos and then set off again on Monday.

Mini Globe Race: an extraordinary challenge

The Mini Globe Race, in which Christian Sauer is taking part, is an extraordinary challenge. The participants sail on self-built Class Globe 5.80 boats - small ocean-going cruisers made of plywood with a length of just 5.80 metres. These boats are specially designed to sail around the world. The design comes from the Polish designer Janusz Maderski and is a further development of the already proven Setka A-Class.

More about the Globe 580 and the Mini Globe Race:

• Interview with McIntyre: "The aim is to inspire people"
• German at the start of the self-build Transat race
• Boatbuilding adventure: the first self-build minis are created
• More info to the start of the Mini Globe Race: minigloberace.com/race-start/

A key aspect of the Mini Globe Race is that participants build their own boats. Christian Sauer, a carpenter by trade and civil engineer by training, began building his "Argo" in July 2021. With no previous boatbuilding experience, he built the frame, hull and interior on his own. He even cast the lead keel bomb himself.

Sauer describes the construction process as challenging, but also a source of great satisfaction: "If you enjoy the manual work, it really gives you a lot - but it's also an incredible amount of effort."