# 2026 Golden Globe Race begins in France

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-golden-globe-race
> Updated: 2026-09-09T14:37:25.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 4.

The fourth edition of the Golden Globe Race commenced on September 6, 2026, in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. While seventeen entrants were initially expected, organizer Don McIntyre noted that 16 sailors ultimately met the rigorous safety and qualification requirements to begin the solo, non-stop, and unassisted circumnavigation.

To adhere to the original 1968 rules, participants are restricted to using technology and equipment available in the late 1960s, such as paper charts, compasses, and celestial navigation, rather than modern GPS or satellite-based weather reports. Competitors must use production boats between 32 and 36 feet designed prior to 1988.

Among the participants is Canadian sailor Isa Rosli from Abbotsford, British Columbia. Rosli aims to become the first Canadian to successfully complete the event while sailing the refurbished 1970s-era Swedish 32-footer Olleanna, utilizing a sextant and a windvane-operated self-steer system.

In conjunction with the race start, the International Association of Cape Horners hosted the 2026 IACH Cape Horn Hall of Fame awards in Les Sables-d’Olonne. The ceremony recognized six new inductees, including historical figure Commodore George Anson and circumnavigator Alexia Barrier, in the presence of sailing legends such as Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Jean-Luc van den Heede.

Following an emotional send-off, the 16 skippers have begun their approximately 30,000-nautical-mile journey, which is expected to last seven to eight months. The fleet has already encountered challenging conditions in the Bay of Biscay, with reports indicating strong headwinds, rough seas, and the necessity for early repairs. As of September 8, Damien Guillou was noted as leading the fleet.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Golden Globe Race begins with 16 sailors departing France

Sixteen solo sailors have begun the 2026 Golden Globe Race, departing France for a seven-to-eight-month non-stop circumnavigation, already facing rough seas in the Bay of Biscay.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/golden-globe-race-begins-with-16-sailors-departing-france

### 2026-09-06: Golden Globe Race begins in Les Sables d’Olonne

Sixteen sailors are preparing to start the Golden Globe Race in Les Sables d’Olonne, a solo, unassisted round-the-world race using traditional navigation tools.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/golden-globe-race-begins-in-les-sables-dolonne

### 2026-08-10: Golden Globe Race to begin September 2026

Seventeen sailors will attempt the Golden Globe Race starting September 6, 2026, sailing solo and non-stop around the world using only 1968-era technology and celestial navigation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/golden-globe-race-to-begin-september-2026

### 2026-07-14: Canadian sailor Isa Rosli to compete in the 2026 Golden Globe Race

Canadian Isa Rosli will race the 2026 Golden Globe Race, a 30,000‑mile solo, GPS‑free circumnavigation, aiming to be the first Canadian finisher.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canadian-sailor-isa-rosli-readies-for-2026-golden-globe-race

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Cite as: 2026 Golden Globe Race begins in France. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-golden-globe-race