Sixteen solo sailors began the McIntyre Golden Globe Race from Les Sables-d’Olonne on 6 September 2026, setting off on a non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of roughly 30,000 nautical miles. After an emotional farewell and a light-wind start, the Bay of Biscay quickly delivered the first tests of endurance and seamanship.

This report draws on the organisers’ release dated 8 September. Race positions refer to 12:00 UTC on 8 September 2026.

Four years of preparation, one final handshake

The last days ashore brought safety inspections, briefings and farewells after years of preparation. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the only finisher of the original 1968–69 Golden Globe aboard Suhaili, shook hands with each skipper before departure, connecting the fleet with the race’s origins.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston shakes hands with a Golden Globe Race skipper at the dock
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston bids farewell to a skipper before the start. Photo: Don McIntyre / GGR2026.

Thousands gathered around the Vendée marina as the yachts left at two-minute intervals. Historic vessels joined the farewell flotilla, including Joshua and the fishing boat Kifanlo. The departure also remembered Donald Crowhurst, whose son Simon presented the skippers with a commemorative coin.

A gentle start, then a demanding Biscay crossing

Henry Wootton’s Cape George 36 Privateer rounded the final coastal mark first. A breeze of 7–12 knots gave way to patches of calm, before conditions became much tougher offshore. By Tuesday 8 September, the organisers reported south-westerly winds of 25–35 knots and head seas of around three metres.

Seasickness, leaks and fatigue made progress difficult. Helga Marie “Mara” Løvenskiold Kveseth rested below aboard Showgirl, while Ertan Beskardes aboard Miss Beagle prioritised rest and safety before resuming his passage on Tuesday.

The new GGR Window Live gave viewers a close look at life aboard. Its one-way video system lets the public follow participating skippers without giving sailors access to outside routing advice. Traditional navigation remains central to the race.

Early repairs test the fleet

Louis Kerdelhué considered returning to port after the Hydrovane control head aboard his Biscay 36 IE Charge came loose on 8 September. A temporary repair held, allowing him to continue, according to the release.

Louis Kerdelhué aboard IE Charge on 8 September 2026
Louis Kerdelhué aboard IE Charge in footage from 8 September, when he continued after a temporary Hydrovane repair. Image: GGR2026.

Pär Nyman’s Lazy Otter returned to Les Sables-d’Olonne with rudder trouble following an earlier rigging problem. A haul-out revealed a broken bolt; another snapped during removal. With help from Jean-Luc van den Heede in sourcing parts, repairs were completed. The 8 September bulletin reported that Nyman was preparing to leave again, hoping to depart on 9 September.

Guillou led at the 8 September snapshot

At 12:00 UTC on 8 September, Damien Guillou’s Rustler 36 Solarem led the fleet after taking the southern route across Biscay. A northern group had sought an earlier wind shift, but the change reached both groups at a similar time. The bulletin warned that approaching high pressure could slow the fleet, making the passage beyond Cape Finisterre particularly important.

Three great capes and a Lanzarote photo gate

The course rounds the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn before returning to Les Sables-d’Olonne. The route includes a photo gate at Marina Rubicón in Lanzarote, followed later by Hobart. These gates form part of a race intended to be sailed non-stop; the organisers anticipate seven to eight months at sea.

Golden Globe Race 2026 world route map
The official Golden Globe Race 2026 route, including the Lanzarote and Hobart photo gates. Map: GGR2026.

For current positions, consult the official live tracker. Source: Golden Globe Race, 8 September 2026. Cover map: GGR2026.