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2026 Golden Globe Race begins in France

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2026-09-06 19:26 UTC → 2026-09-09 22:46 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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