Where does your passion for sailing come from?
What lessons have you learnt from sailing?
Sailing and my time at sea have taught me so many practical lessons in life that it is hard to put them into words. I have learned about the camaraderie and friendship that are unparalleled among sailors. I have learned frugality and respect for the world and the oceans by taking only what is needed while offshore and protecting the oceans in the process. By far, the most important lessons I have learned are the ability to problem-solve in unknown situations and to remain flexible in stressful conditions, using the challenges of the sea and weather to my advantage. Throughout my career and studies, I have learned both traditional and modern methods of navigation and the advantages this knowledge provides while racing around the world.
What brought you to like single-handed sailing?
What prompted you to sign up for this event?
The GSC appealed to me as it offers an opportunity to sail the route around the world that I have wanted to complete since I was a teenager, while doing so in an organized fleet that provides a margin of safety, with other sailors closer than any commercial vessels if catastrophe were to strike. The professionalism and track record of success of the GSC have attracted me, as opposed to other organized events.
How do you plan to prepare for this event?
I plan to attract sponsors to support my mission of representing Zimbabwe, a landlocked country, in a significant sailing achievement. My goal is to promote Zimbabwe and the people of this proud nation. I am currently searching for the boat that I will sail around the world and preparing her with the help of my extensive network of contacts in the yachting industry. I will be training and logging as many miles as possible while sailing from the UK ahead of the start in 2027.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
I believe one of the biggest challenges will come before the race—getting both the boat and myself sufficiently prepared for the marathon ahead.
During the race, the biggest challenges will be managing fatigue from the lack of sleep while safely pushing both the boat and myself to circumnavigate the globe in a respectable time. Cape Horn stands as the most significant challenge, along with safely navigating the low-pressure systems in the South Atlantic before beginning the run north through the Atlantic to the finish line.
Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.
I aim to procure an Open 40, 50, or perhaps even a 60, although my preferred size is an Open 40 to ensure that I can manage the complexity of the boat (which will be set up for offshore racing) while keeping both myself and the boat safe in heavy weather. I want to ensure that every system and structure is robust and suitable for my skill set.
Do you intend to link this personal challenge to a social cause?
My circumnavigation attempt will be to champion causes in Zimbabwe that are close to my heart, namely the protection of our natural heritage through conservation and the plight of destitute pensioners in Zimbabwe. I aim to raise funds and awareness for both these areas and donate any excess proceeds generated during the preparation and race to these worthy causes.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I may seem like an underdog in terms of racing experience compared to other entrants, but I make up for this with decades of experience at sea, a practical mindset, and a deep understanding and love of the unique challenges posed by solo sailing.
Sailing experience
Accomplished Dinghy and Cruiser/Racer
2 x Southern Atlantic passages under sail (including sailing the roaring 40s)
15 x North Atlantic crossings under motor
Master of Yachts <3000GT (including sail) license holder.
Lifelong sailor and 10+ years as professional mariner.
About The Boat
Sail Number: GBR 19
Boat design: LC 40 (F. Lucas) Class40
Year built: 2006
LOA: 40ft
Displacement: 4750kgs
Upwind sail area: 115 m2
Downwind sail area: 275 m2
