Countdown to the 2026 Golden Globe Race: Only Two Years Left!

The countdown starts for the fourth edition of the Golden Globe Race, scheduled to begin on September 6, 2026. With only two years left, 29 enthusiastic sailors from 12 countries, including two women and the race’s first Generation Z entrant, are already on board for this extraordinary and demanding challenge. There is just one provisional entry available before the waitlist begins.

• The 2026 Golden Globe Race will feature 29 sailors from 12 different countries, including two women and the first Generation Z participant.
• Established in 1968, the Golden Globe Race was the first solo, non-stop voyage around the world, embodying the spirit of “unassisted” sailing.
• The organisers are actively seeking a title naming partner to secure the race’s long-term future beyond 2030.

The Golden Globe Race represents a unique event in the world of sailing. The inaugural race began with nine sailors embarking on a perilous solo journey around the globe, uncertain of their chances of success. After 312 arduous days, only one sailor returned: Robin Knox-Johnston, aged 29, who sailed back aboard the weather-worn 32-foot Suhaili. His remarkable achievement laid the groundwork for the GGR legend, featuring one sailor confronting immense challenges alone.

Today, there are ten around-the-world yacht races, but the Golden Globe Race is unparalleled. It emphasizes the fundamental human desire to chase an impossible dream rather than speed or technology. Participants use simple, practical, and sustainable yachts, completely disconnected from external influences as they navigate solo for nearly nine months.

The GGR tests its entrants like no other race. Only the toughest and smartest sailors succeed, and the journey can be both soul-crushing and exhilarating. This grueling odyssey invites volunteers to challenge themselves against the elements. Historically, only about 20% of entrants complete the race, but those who try are considered winners regardless of their outcome. The GGR is notably the most mentally and personally challenging experience in sailing. As the years pass, the world will once again watch these extraordinary individuals in 2026.

The second 50th Anniversary edition of the GGR took off from Les Sables d’Olonne, France, in 2018, with Frenchman Jean-Luc Van Den Heede clinching victory. In 2022, South African woman Kirsten Neuschäfer made history by winning, attracting considerable international attention. The media valuation for the 2022 GGR reached €213 million due to significant backing from logistics partner Les Sables d’Olonne.

Looking forward to 2026, race organisers are exploring potential host ports for a SITraN prologue race and searching for a title partner to secure the GGR’s future. Founder and Organiser Don McIntyre underscores the race’s global significance, stating:

“The Golden Globe has significant brand recall worldwide, establishing itself as a major global event that generates compelling human stories. These stories resonate not just with sailors but also with non-sailors and families. For a title partner, the GGR offers unique raw material centered around strong individual characters on a grand journey that begins now and spans nearly four years. This journey promises an extraordinary return on investment at a fraction of the media valuation. We are waiting for your call.”

Spotlight on Entrants: A New Generation of Sailors

Nineteen-year-old Frenchman Louis Kerdelhué has acquired the Biscay 36 NURI, previously raced to third place in the 2022 GGR. He will be the first Generation Z sailor to cross the start line in 2026 at the age of 21. Inspired by the previous edition, Louis has prepared himself for the challenge, passing the YachtMaster Offshore exam and eagerly anticipating the journey ahead:

“When I first heard about the GGR, I read all the books — Robin Knox-Johnston’s A World of My Own, Jesse Martin’s Lionheart, Robin Lee Graham’s Dove, and Bernard Moitessier’s The Long Route — and it solidified my decision. While I dread the doldrums, I look forward to the storms and wilderness of the Southern Ocean. It’s incredibly exciting!”

Mathys Delmere, 26, from France, recently sailed around Cape Horn before entering the GGR. With a lifelong love for the ocean, Mathys has experience sailing old Breton ships and participating in offshore races, including the 2023 Ocean Globe Race. He shares:

“These OGR stages were incredible, and the human adventure on board was extraordinary, reinforcing my desire to participate in the GGR. It embodies the essence of being a sailor: feeling alive and interpreting the elements. I am now finishing my officer training, looking for partners, and planning the refit of Petrel. The race has already begun, and my journey to become a sailor continues.”

Joel Harkimo, 36, from Finland, will sail the Rustler 36 One and All, previously raced to third place in the 2018 GGR. Following in his father’s footsteps, Joel expresses:

“Since I was young, I dreamed of following in my father’s footsteps. He sailed around the world three times, and now it feels right for me to take this step. This race is the perfect challenge for me, blending adventure and tradition. While the rough conditions and loneliness will be tough, they are a part of achieving this dream.”

Australian sailor Mike Smith, aged 63, aims to complete the 2026 GGR, making it his third attempt. He is constructing a Suhaili replica and reflects on his motivations:

“I can be stubborn and enjoy challenging myself, taking calculated risks to achieve personal satisfaction. The GGR will expose me to the raw power of the ocean and wind, and I have no aspirations for podium glory. My goal is to complete the race and keep my feet firmly on the ground.”

Each of the 29 entrants has a remarkable background, and their stories are sure to captivate audiences around the world. Stay tuned for updates as they prepare for the 2026 Golden Globe Race.