It was South African Golden Globe Race entrant Kirsten Neuschäfer (SA) who relayed Guy deBoer’s VHF radio Mayday call to GGR Race Control on Friday morning at 03:10 am UTC. Guy’s Tashiba 36 had run aground on the North coast of Fuerteventura, just 10 miles from the Lanzarote Marina Rubicon film drop gate he had passed a few hours before. He had activated his EPIRB and at 04:24 UTC rang the GGR Race control on his Sat phone.

“Spirit” was sitting on rocks, away from the beach, tilting 45°, Being pounded by heavy seas crashing over the boat. The surf was pushing her slowly forward, grinding over rocks. Guy who was in constant contact with Salvamento Maritimo, the local Rescue Coordination Center and GGR Race Control, was in a serious situation. He had his life raft ready but decided to remain inside Spirit, which was holding up. He planned to wait for daylight since he could not see the coast. The conditions for safe use of the life raft, or exit onto the rocks beaten by the surf were not right.

At 04:10 UTC, the MRCC Las Palmas informed GGR Control that first responders were on the beach, 50 metres from the boat sitting on the bedrock. Conditions were difficult, and Guy decided not to evacuate the yacht. At 04:36 UTC, Guy finally abandoned his yacht by foot, greatly assisted by the local police and firefighters. A Government salvage tow boat was already en route towards them. Guy was taken to a local hotel without injuries.

Golden Globe Race entrant “Spirit” was sitting on rocks, away from the beach, tilting 45°, Being pounded by heavy seas crashing over the boat

Following an early morning Government assessment it was considered too difficult to tow Spirit back to sea at high water. The authorities decided to pump all fuel from the boat to avoid a potential spill and are now working with Guy deBoer ’s team and an insurance company on salvaging the Tashiba 36 with the least environmental impact. The area is a popular tourist surfing spot.

“At 9.30 Monday morning I am meeting with a large salvage company to consider the best course of action which at this stage looks like dragging her back over the hard rocks, fortunately not fragile reefs”. Said Guy deBoer “She has an incredibly strong and thick hull so should be able to take that ride! She has taken a pounding so far and the hull is fine. I hope to see her sail again, but certainly, we cannot just leave her there”.

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Golden Globe Yacht Race competitor Pat Lawless from Ireland beat Indian Abhilash Tomy in their week-long fight for the third spot at the first film gate off Lanzarote, a race point that also revealed the County Kerry solo sailor is suffering a knee infection on board his yacht Green Rebel.

As Afloat reported previously, Pat’s option east of the fleet cost him dearly earlier in the week but enabled him a magnificent comeback on Friday and Saturday.

Pat’s enthusiasm is infectious, and he was radiant when told of his position in the fleet!

Infectious also is his right knee, a pre-existing medical condition to the GGR, which has come back unexpectedly during the first week of sailing.

Pat is in regular contact with the Race doctor, MSOS Direct, and taking antibiotics as advised. He was advised to stop in Lanzarote to stock up with stronger antibiotics on board, but this would have meant losing contact with the leaders, as well as accepting external assistance and being moved to Chichester Class.

“This is an old injury that has come up after crawling on deck” said Pat “There is no way I want to move into Chichester Class, not for a minute, so I sail on! It will be fine”

He could reconsider this decision if it gets worse and make a stop in Cape Verde Islands in a week or so, sailing south.

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Ireland's solo sailor in the Golden Globe Race, Pat Lawless, passed Lanzarote at 1330 (1.30 p.m.) Irish time on Saturday afternoon.

Green Rebel was sailing briskly, with two jibs and a full main, making a speed of 6.3 knots on a broad reach and was the third boat in the fleet.

Lanzarote was the first video drop for the GGR yachts to make as they passed offshore of the Spanish holiday resort.

The boats and sailors had their first shake-down in the Bay of Biscay with Pat Lawless well to the fore of the fleet.

He has been steadily in the top three of the fleet since the race started from France on Sunday, September 4.

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Pat Lawless (66) of Limerick and Ballyferriter has been having good racing in the early stages of the Golden Golden Globe Solo Non-Stop Low-Technology Round The World Challenge.

His hefty Saltram 36 Green Rebel has proven well able for the more rugged elements of the weather mixture served up since the fleet departed from Les Sables d'Olonne nine days ago.

And his choice of the more southerly option in the difficult business of getting out of the Bay of Biscay proved to be spot on.

Since then, he got himself on the right side of a blocking low-pressure area off the west coast of Iberia to provide good progress southwards.

Currently, the leaders - with Green Rebel third on the water - are approaching the latitude of southern Portugal.

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Thousands of people lined the harbour walls at Les Sables d’Olonne in France this afternoon to watch the start of the Golden Globe non-stop round-the-world race.

Ireland’s Pat Lawless is amongst the 16 solo skippers who started, with up to eight months alone at sea ahead of them.

Family, friends and supporters from Kerry and Limerick were in the French port for the start.

There was a big swell coming in from the sea as the yachts crossed the start line, beating into a fresh wind.

Before the start Pat said that he was happy to be “getting going after the years of preparation. Now it is all to do with what happens at sea. I’m well prepared and my focus is to finish. We’ll see how many do get to finish. “

The Bay of Biscay will be the first major test ahead for the GGR fleet.

The start of the Golden Globe non-stop round-the-world race

Additional reporting by GGR media:

Emotions ran high as family and friends bid farewell to 16 skippers setting out from Les Sables d’Olonne on one of the most gruelling challenges on the planet. The Golden Globe Race is a solo non stop voyage sailing small 32-36 ft old fashion yachts without technology and no assistance. Following years of intense preparations and safety checks, the thought of 9 months of total isolation with only high frequency radios to speak with family was daunting.

The people of Sables d'Olonne were present in high numbers to cheer the GGR competitors and in the two weeks of the race village drew 5000 visitors per day. Thousands lined the wall along the mythical channel of Sables d'Olonne where classic and historic yachts, competitors of the Golden Globe Race, traditional Olonnois yachts and local yachts paraded towards the startline.

The GGR dock has been a favourite among visitors and enthusiasts. Picture Credit: Nora Havel / GGR2022

"We couldn't have wished for a better home port for the GGR than Les Sables d'Olonne," said Don McIntyre, President and Founder of the race, " To watch the sailors depart the marina was both humbling, exciting and electric. We were all swept up in the emotion and human spirit on display. Trying to imagine the hardships and joy these sailors and dreamers will experience in the months ahead was hard. ”

The skippers were ready to go following years of preparations. It was time! The starting line was between Tapio Lethenin’s Swan 55 Galiana and L’Esprit d'Equipe of local skipper Lionel Régnier, both Ocean Globe Race entrants. The Official start vessel was Guépard, a French Navy training ship of which the town of Les Sables d'Olonne is the godmother. The official starter was Sir Robin Knox Johnston supported by Mayor Yannick Moreau, and the founder of the GGR, Don McIntyre.

Prologue, bis repetita?

It was Britain's Simon Curwen who crossed the line first, followed shortly by France's Damien Guillou on PRB, later joined by Kirsten Neuschäfer. The trio who led the previous Gijon prologue quickly took the lead of the fleet towards Cape Finisterre, 350 miles southwest of Les Sables d'Olonne, which they are expected to reach in 3 to 4 days. 

Pat Lawless (Ireland) onboard his Saga 36 "Green Rebel", a world of his own. Picture Credit: Nora Havel / GGR2022

The former Classe Mini and Figaro sailor and the South African ocean navigator will be keen to set a strong pace to the rest of the fleet in the early hours of the race to implement their respective strategies. This should see them seeking the low-pressure system to the west before descending to the tip of Cape Finisterre. Strong headwinds, avoiding coastal traffic and possible interactions with orcas along the Galician coast are just some of the challenges ahead.

Popular local French sailor Arnaud Gaist broke the start line by about 1 minute and was asked by the official starter to recross the line. He failed to do so. This will be addressed later, but as he sails the smallest yachts in the fleet so it is not expected to have any real impact.

Christian Dumard, the meteorologist for legendary races such as the Vendée Globe, the Volvo Ocean Race and the Mini Transat, shares his analysis: "The conditions for the first few days of the race are going to be tough. After a start in good conditions, the low-pressure system to the west of the Celtic Sea will bring strong south westerly winds. It will be followed at the end of next week by the remains of cyclone Danielle, which formed in the middle of the Atlantic. It is therefore in a prevailing SW to W flow that the competitors will sail to Cape Finisterre, then probably to the latitude of Lisbon. The sea will be rough with waves of up to 4 metres. They will then be able to hit the Portuguese trade winds, the famous northerly winds that will enable them to sail downwind towards the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde Archipelago.”

There are two options in the immediate future: westwards towards heavy weather for the skippers who will want to make the difference during the first 24 hours, and a route favouring milder but more uncertain winds along the Asturian and Galician coastline. This choice, early in the race, could well lead to the first split of the fleet into 2 groups.

The Spaniard Aleix Selles, still waiting for his mast, chose to sail alongside the fleet and test his jury rig on his Rustler 36 Onsoro. According to the Notice of Race, he may have one more week to rejoin the Race and cross the start line south of Nouch, and benefit from good weather conditions. He is determined and could well add another twist to this 2022 edition.

Next stop, Lanzarote!

Irish solo sailor Pat Lawless completed his 300-nautical miles celestial navigation voyage which he was forced to do by the Golden Globe Race organisers this week and is now ready for the start of the race this Sunday from Les Sables-d'Olonne in France.

He had to pay a fine of €1,000 over the submission of race registration documents and says that while he was very disappointed at the penalties imposed on him, he has put it behind him and his focus is now on the start of the race.

He told me what had happened:

Ireland's solo sailor in the Golden Globe Race, Pat Lawless, has been penalised by the organisers even before the race has started.

From Les Sables d'olonne in France this evening (Friday) he sent this message; "I have just been told by the GGR22 people that I have to do a 300-mile sail, as I don't have my logs from the 2,000-mile qualifying trip in 2020. This is such a disappointing thing. But I will head out tonight and get it done. Hoping to make good time. But it will be Monday before I get back to Les Sables d'Olonne, I would think. The GGR22 people need to know that I am able to navigate to the standard needed. "

The GGR non-stop, solo race around the world will start from Les Sables d'olonne on September 4. 

Solo sailor Pat Lawless finished in the top half of the Golden Globe Race prologue of 280 nautical miles from Gijon in Spain to Les Sables d'Olonne.

“I was delighted with the race. The boat sailed as well as the other GGR boats. Better than many and better than I expected,” he told Afloat from the French port.

The GGR non-stop, solo race around the world will start from there on September 4.

“Boat rigging and sails in mighty condition. I am looking forward to the start of the race itself even more so now,” he said.

Final results of the prologue race show Pat finished sixth.

Pat Lawless relaxes in Sables D'Olonne

Damien Guillou (France) in his Rustler 36 PRB was the first to cross the finish line in the prologue, having sailed mostly under spinnaker. The race was “pretty full-on,” he said.

The sailors tested boat speed and sail combinations with reefs, foresails, and spinnakers on a long, tight reach with winds gusting in the high 20’s.

GGR Veteran Abhilash Tomy (India) who was rescued from during the last GGR race and is racing again this year in another Rustler 36, ‘Bayanat,’ was involved in a collision with a bulk carrier during the prologue. There were no injuries and the ship stood by for two hours while the crew checked the yacht then resumed sailing. The yacht's bow needs serious composite work before the race starts on September 4.

There are 17 confirmed entries for the GGR itself.

Goodwill messages have been pouring into Pat Lawless, Ireland’s solo skipper in the Golden Globe Race, over the past week at Gijon, where he has been preparing for the SITraN Challenge Charity event today (Sunday), a 280-mile race to Les Sables d’Olonne in France from where the GGR itself will start on September 4.

“The days have been full from morning to night with events, working on the boat and filling out forms. It’s been busy, but I’m excited to be here. I’m prepared and ready, The Prologue race will be interesting. I’m hoping for wind. I am loaded to the hilt and ready to go,” he told Afloat from his 36-foot Saga yacht, Green Rebel.

During the Prologue race, there are no special rules like in the GGR itself, say the organisers. “It is a fun race for the Skippers, their families and friends. As preparation for the circumnavigation, all the Skippers have to test critical communication during the prologue.”

GGR Skippers in Gijon - Pat Lawless at extreme right in back row

It leaves just two weeks for final preparations before the start of the GGR – the longest, loneliest sporting event on September 4.

“The challenge of the Golden Globe is not with technology, but time alone and seamanship,” Pat told me. “ I hope to make a good start from Gijon, and thanks to everyone for all the support. It’s great to be part of what is the Race family of sailors gathered together here in Gijon. As we get out to sea, we’ll all be trying to get the best of the race.”

Eighteen Skippers are entered for the GGR itself.

It’s been a long time coming, but the skippers are finally sharing the same dock, drinks and stories of their preparations, while helping each other with final tasks. These solo sailors, including Ireland's Pat Lawless in the Green Rebel entry are definitely enjoying their social time in Spain!

The City of Gijón, the Gijón Tourism Office, the Real Astur Club de Regatas and the Puerto Deportivo de Gijón have been instrumental in making the skippers experience the legendary hospitality, maritime history and gastronomic tradition of the Asturian capital. Skippers have an occasion to gather with friends and family, sometimes flying from afar, to enjoy the summer festival of Semana Grande, a staple in the city’s cultural program, and visit the city and the surrounding areas of Asturias.

As Afloat reported previously, Lawless, who departed from Cork Harbour, told Afloat from Gijon: "Nice weather here in Gijon. Had quite a bit of hand steering from Cork to Les Sables d'Olonne. Nice sail down to Gijon. Still stressed getting everything done, but that will make the start better."

Gijón has proven itself the best possible place for the GGR 2022 Prologue. Photo: Turismo Gijón / Ignacio Izquierdo

Gijón veterans Simon Curwen (GGR2022 Entrant, Hull No. 4 from UK ) and Damien Guillou (GGR2022 Entrant, Hull No. 85 from FR ) were delighted to return to the city that hosted many Mini 6.50, Figaro and IMOCA events. "I have been here three times for the Figaro class and it is always a pleasure to return to Gijón," said Damien. "It is also a great opportunity for the competitors to get to know the Bay of Biscay during the Prologue, as our circumnavigation will start and finish in this maritime area.”

The GGR fleet is gathering for the first time together in the Puerto Deportivo de Gijón Photo: GGR

Others were delighted with the discovery of a city sitting across the bay of Biscay 230 nautical miles away from les Sables d’Olonne, popular with French sailors with many rallies and races coming to the Asturian city: Barquera, Trans-Gascogne, or Pornic-Gijón.

“My first visit to Gijón leaves a lasting impression after just a few days. WOW! starting with warm smiles, colourful culture in a relaxed and diverse way, this has to be the perfect city for the GGR Prologue.” Said Don McIntyre, Founder and Race Chairman. “All involved can now settle down and relax before the grand adventure begins. So happy to be here!”

All have received a warm welcome at the Real Club Astur de Regatas by the club’s President Alfredo Alegría Díaz, Commodore Guillermo Marqués Prendes, and many enthusiastic sailors from Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country who coincided at the Club for the prize giving ceremony of the Regata de Aproches, who have been offering help and local knowledge to the participants throughout the weekend.

"To have enjoyed the presence and exchange of experiences with GGR President Don McIntyre, the sailors and their support teams has been a pleasure for all of us, also because of the importance of the race, it is already part of the history of our Club". The President of the RCAR Alfredo Alegria Diaz told us: "Now we have the privilege of having their company in our city and in our Club until next Sunday, when we will give them the departure to their next destination in Les Sables-d'Olonne".

The week will continue with entrants finishing their boat preparation, attending safety briefings, video training for race media content and planned documentary, and the SITraN Challenge back to Les Sables d’Olonne for the opening of the Race Village on August 20th.

They will also discover more of Asturias with visits planned to the picturesque towns of Villaviciosa on the 10th at the Club Nautico Albatros, and Candás on the 12th where they will be welcomed by Amelia Fernández, Mayor of Carreño for a tour and their farewell dinner.

Gijón’s Mayor Ana Gonzalez will host on Thursday an official welcome reception and press conference for the sailors, team managers, and the GGR Team. Mr. Yannick Moreau, Mayor of les Sables d’Olonne will travel to Gijón to meet his Spanish counterpart and strengthen the links between the two coastal cities of the Bay of Biscay.

Meanwhile, Aleix Selles and Graham Dalton are missing the Gijón festivities as they are completing their compulsory 2000-mile GGR qualifier in the hope of being reinstated in the race. They must be back to Les Sables in time for the Race village opening. Time is of the essence leading to the start, and neither of them has much to spare.

Elliott Smith is off to the UK and Spain for survival and medical courses, while his team manager Josh Axler will be in charge of “Second Wind” in Les Sables d’Olonne. Photo: Jean-Luc Lhomond

US entrant Elliott Smith has arrived to Les Sables d’Olonne from his maiden transatlantic crossing and GGR qualifier, but his agenda is filling up quickly with exotic destinations with yet to be completed compulsory training. He will travel to Cowes, UK to complete his survival training before heading towards Palma de Mallorca, Spain for his first Aid and STCW medical courses while his boat manager will get the yacht ship-shaped in Port Olona. 

2022 GGR entrants to date:

1. Abhilash Tomy (43) / India / Rustler 36
2. Arnaud Gaist (50) / France / BARBICAN 33 MKII (long keel version)
3. Damien Guillou (39) / France / Rustler 36
4. Edward Walentynowicz (68) / Canada / Rustler 36
5. Elliott Smith (27) / USA / Gale Force 34
6. Ertan Beskardes (60) / UK / Rustler 36
7. Guy deBoer (66) / USA / Tashiba 36
8. Guy Waites (54) / UK / Tradewind 35
9. Ian Herbert Jones (52) / UK / Tradewind 35
10. Jeremy Bagshaw (59) / South Africa / OE32
11. Kirsten Neuschäfer (39) / South Africa / Cape George 36
12. Mark Sinclair (63) / Australia / Lello 34
13. Michael Guggenberger (44) / Austria / Biscay 36
14. Pat Lawless (66) / Ireland / Saga 36
15. Simon Curwen (63) / UK / Biscay 36
16. Tapio Lehtinen (64) / Finland / Gaia 36 Masthead sloop