Nicolas Manthos suffered a life-threatening injury in a sports accident. Since then, he has taken his fate into his own hands. During the coronavirus pandemic, the 29-year-old taught himself to sail on a Hurley 18 and crossed the Atlantic shortly afterwards (YACHT 02/2024). Now the Stuttgart native is facing a new challenge - he wants to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world with a new boat in the World Star Race 2026, the first edition of the format. His goal: to break the record for boats under 40 feet.
You want to race solo and non-stop around the world in the 2026 World Star Race. Why?
On the way back from the Caribbean, I was already thinking about new projects. The idea of sailing non-stop around the world appealed to me. The World Star Race is basically the low-budget version of the Vendée Globe. It makes it possible to compete with a Class 40, which is fast and challenging to sail. In addition, both single-handed and double-handed teams can take part. The advantage is that this format appeals to more sailors.
They chose a very sporty vehicle for this.
The boat is an older Class 40 from 2007, robust and suitable for sailing around the world. It has a considerable history and is prepared in such a way that it offers an optimum balance between speed and safety.
What do you mean by "history"?
The boat was previously active in France and took part in major transatlantic races such as the Transat Jacques Vabre and the Route du Rhum. It has also had some famous previous owners, including Tanguy de Lamotte, who won the Vendée Globe (2012/2013 with Initiatives Cœur, Red.) has sailed.
The record for the Class 40 is 137 days. How are they going to break it?
My goal is to complete the route in 130 days. To achieve this, I need to sail at an average of just under 8.6 knots. That's fast, but definitely doable.
What is the current state of affairs?
I currently have the boat and the financial means to take part in all the planned races in 2025. However, additional funds are still needed to optimally prepare the boat for the circumnavigation.
Manthos posts regular updates on his Instagram account:
You now have an eventful season ahead of you. Why?
The first race starts on 1 June. It leads single-handed from Plymouth once around Iceland. In July, it continues with the qualification and the Fastnet and in autumn it will probably go to the Baltic Sea. The aim this year is to sail longer distances single-handed and identify weak points. These will be eliminated during a major refit in the winter - before they sail around the world in 2026.
More info about Nicolas Manthos and his project can be read at sailing-oneworld.com
