News Articles

Karl Smith – La Licorne – Halvard Mabire designed Class40. @Fintan Clarke/Coalesce The Global Solo Challenge is pleased to announce the entry of Irish skipper Karl Smith in the 2027–2028 edition of the event. Karl becomes the 25th skipper to enter the second edition of the GSC. Following four withdrawals from previously announced entrants, the current entry list now stands at a very strong 21 skippers, with several other confirmed projects expected to announce their participation in the coming months, including several female skippers. As the first edition demonstrated, getting to the start line is perhaps the hardest challenge of all. Preparing a boat and a skipper for a solo, non-stop circumnavigation requires an enormous commitment of time, resources and determination, and inevitably not every project that begins the journey will make it to the start. With 21 active entries already and further announcements to come, the expectation remains that at least 20 skippers will ultimately take the start of the 2027–2028 Global Solo Challenge. Karl joins the fleet with a particularly ambitious project, both on and off the water. The 36-year-old Irish sailor is a professional superyacht captain with approximately 60,000 nautical miles of experience and will compete aboard

VO60 Logistics. Image @Pindar Pindar announces a Strategic Partnership aimed at supporting the future growth of the Global Solo Challenge. A partnership built on logistics, innovation and a shared vision for the future of offshore sailing. Pindar is proud to announce a new long-term Strategic Partnership with the Global Solo Challenge (GSC), becoming Official Logistics Partner of the event whilst also working together to support the continued growth and international development of one of offshore sailing’s fastest growing solo races. The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared passion for offshore sailing, innovation and creating opportunities for sailors at every level of the sport. Whilst Pindar will provide logistics support for the Global Solo Challenge, the partnership extends far beyond the movement of boats and equipment. Together, Pindar and the Global Solo Challenge organisers will collaborate on initiatives designed to strengthen the event, enhance the experience for competitors and support the wider development of offshore sailing internationally. As Official Logistics Partner, Pindar will deliver worldwide transport and logistics services before, during and after each edition of the Global Solo Challenge, providing competitors with specialist support for yacht transportation, customs management, shipping, equipment logistics and project planning. The partnership also

Tim Kent – Kent Racing – Express 40 (Owen Clarke Design) Class40. Media Rebecca E. Poynton-Murray. Photo @Jamie A Anderson We are pleased to announce Tim Kent as an official entry in the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028. Based in Oyster Bay, New York, Tim has sailed approximately 100,000 miles and has already raced solo around the world with stopovers, finishing second in Class 2 in the 2002–2003 Around Alone Race aboard a Jim Antrim-designed Open 50. For him, the natural next step is clear: to take on the challenge of a solo, non-stop circumnavigation. Tim’s passion for sailing touches every part of his life. He met his former wife on a race boat, his daughters grew up around sailing and now work in the industry, and many of his closest friendships have been formed through the sport. Offshore, he is drawn equally to the beauty and the demands of the sea: the sunrises and sunsets, the changing moods of the ocean, the technical challenge of keeping a boat moving fast and safely, and the problem-solving required when repairs become part of life at sea. Tim will campaign a 2007 Owen Clarke Design Express 40 Class40, sail number USA 34, currently named

Ari Känsäkoski – ZEROchallenge – OCD Class40 – Photo: @Marta Domínguez Finnish skipper Ari Känsäkoski took the start of the Global Solo Challenge 2023-2024 on his Owen Clarke design Class40 ZEROchallenge. After rounding Cape of Good Hope he dismasted in the Roaring Forties north of the Kerguelen islands, more than a thousand two hundred miles from land, putting him in a very delicate situation. He remained cool headed and began making plans to reach the African continent. Following the dismasting he spent 25 days nursing the boat under jury rig and engine, including a mid-ocean refuelling from the Japanese fishing vessel Tomi Maru and one from the Finnlines ferry Finncanopus. Ari eventually reached Durban where he was forced to retire from the event. His incredible journey back to land is a lesson to all who sail and was celebrated with the Global Solo Challenge “Seamanship” award. Ari has now committed to completing his journey and has now committed to returning for the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. His remarkable strength of character and determination will again be his strongest asset and we look forward to following his journey.  About the Skipper Name: Ari Känsäkoski Nationality: Finland Resides in: Pernaja, Finland Born

Authorities: Xefe Servizo Busqueda e Salvamento Xunta – D. Amador Castro, Comodoro de la Comisión Naval de Regatas de la Escuela Naval Militar de Marín,  Ramón-Díaz-Canel, Presidente Real Federacion Gallega de Vela – D. Manuel Villaverde, Ana María Mejías, teniente de alcalde de Vigo, Tone Perez, Presidente RCNV, Daniel Benavides, en representación del Gobierno autonómico, Marco Nannini, Segundo de la Comandancia Naval de Vigo, Andrés De Jorge, Paco Riveras, Vocal de Vela y Puerto Deportivo RCNV. GSC 2027-2028 Skippers: Jerome Delire, Lloyd Davey, Juan Merediz, Sylvain Canet, Marcello Queirolo, Ari Kansakoski, Pablo Gonzalez Parodi, Ronnie Simpson, Michal Krysta. Photo: @Marta Domínguez The gathering held on 28 February at the Real Club Náutico de Vigo brought together skippers from the first edition of the Global Solo Challenge, sailors preparing their campaigns for the 2027–2028 race, representatives of maritime institutions and local authorities, and members of Galicia’s vibrant sailing community. The multitude of languages spoken and presence of sailors from Europe, North and South America and Asia gave an international vibe. Skippers who had already completed — or attempted — the solo circumnavigation in 2023-2024 alongside those preparing their projects for the next edition created a unique exchange of experience, while the

Francois Gouin – Kawan3 Unicancer @globalsolochallenge On Saturday 28 February, the Global Solo Challenge will gather at the Real Club Náutico de Vigo for a public event marking two moments in the life of the race: the closing ceremony and prize giving of the 2023–2024 edition and the presentation of the 2027–2028 edition, which will start and finish in Vigo. The Global Solo Challenge is a solo, non-stop circumnavigation via the three great capes, sailed on existing boats adapted for the purpose rather than new builds, and structured around a staggered departure format that allows very different yachts to compete together: after the start, the first boat home wins. The concept was developed with accessibility and sustainability in mind, lowering financial barriers while maintaining the competitive side of the challenge. The organisers express their gratitude to the Real Club Náutico de Vigo and its President, Tone Pérez Castro, for hosting the event and supporting the relocation of the start and finish to Vigo. The Rías Baixas, protected by the Cíes Islands, offer a natural and spectator-friendly race area that strengthens the long-term development of the event. Miguel Barros, representing the Capítulo de Galicia of the Cofradía Europea de la Vela,

Noa Hopper – Penelope – Koopmans 41 We are pleased to announce Noa Hopper as an official entry in the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028. Noa comes to the event from a life shaped by the ocean, driven by the same underlying impulse that defines the GSC: to commit fully, solve what the sea presents, and discover what’s possible when life is reduced to the essentials. Raised around the water in the United States, Noa’s path into sailing was forged early. After breaking both ankles at age six — effectively ending land sports — he leaned even further into the ocean world his family loved, spending his childhood swimming, surfing, paddling, and sailing. That long immersion built a natural comfort offshore, and a mindset he sums up with clarity: sailing is a sequence of puzzles — solve them patiently and creatively, and you make it across. For Noa, single-handed sailing is not only a test of seamanship but a deliberate way to experience life more intensely. He is drawn to the simplicity of long solitude at sea, where external noise falls away and the focus narrows to what matters: the boat, the weather, the next decision. He hopes that by finding

Hiroki Nakayama – ©JEAN-BAPTISTE D’ENQUIN – POLE DE LA TURBALLE We are pleased to announce Hiroki Nakayama as an official entry in the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028. Hiroki comes to the event from a background in alpine climbing, drawn to ocean racing by the same underlying drive: to face nature with his own skills, and to discover scenery and a version of himself he has not met yet. After climbing an unclimbed peak in the Himalayas in 2019, the Vendée Globe, and the example of Japanese skipper Kojiro Shiraishi, sparked a decisive shift “from vertical to horizontal.” For Hiroki, climbing and solo sailing share a common thread: self-reliance, endurance, and the discipline to keep moving forward when conditions are indifferent. Hiroki is currently negotiating for a Class40 and is focused on the essential priorities of the project: first, fighting to make the start line; then, building the preparation required to finish with a strong result. He views this effort as a collective undertaking: solo at sea, but powered by the people and partners who support it. Alongside the sporting challenge, Hiroki wants to carry a clear message: “There is nowhere you cannot go.” By attempting a Global Solo Challenge campaign

Michal Krysta We are pleased to announce Michal Krysta as an official entry in the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028. Michal comes to the event with a lifelong connection to the outdoors and endurance sports, having progressed from competitive whitewater kayaking to mountain and aerial disciplines before turning his focus fully to sailing. His path toward solo offshore sailing has been shaped by a steady pursuit of self-reliance, technical skill, and personal challenge. The GSC now represents the natural continuation of that journey, aligning with his long-held ambition to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation. In preparation for the event, Michal plans to acquire and refit an older Class40, making the Global Solo Challenge his primary focus in the coming years. He approaches the project with a clear understanding of its demands—particularly the need for sustained concentration, discipline, and emotional balance over months at sea. Michal also aims to use his participation to promote values important to him: resilience, responsibility, and environmental respect, while encouraging others to pursue their own goals with determination. We are delighted to welcome Michal to the GSC and look forward to following his progress as he works toward the 2027 start in Vigo, Spain. About the Skipper

Lloyd Davey – TAQUA II – Borealis (Warwick Buckley) We are pleased to announce the return of Lloyd Davey as an official entry in the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028. Lloyd was previously entered in the inaugural edition and, after circumstances forced him to withdraw, he has carried ever since the feeling of unfinished business. The time has come to give his circumnavigation dream another chance. Lloyd’s journey into sailing began with windsurfing on a small London lake, eventually leading him offshore and into the world of single-handed voyaging inspired by the great solo sailors of the past. His pragmatic, quietly determined approach—focused on patience, seamanship, and keeping both skipper and boat safe—aligns closely with the spirit of the GSC. He will take on the Challenge aboard TAQUA II, a 13.3-metre self-built strip-plank cruiser-racer designed by Warwick Buckley and configured for short-handed sailing. After following the 2023–2024 edition closely and drawing inspiration from the resilience shown by many skippers, Lloyd returns stronger and more prepared than before. We are delighted to welcome Lloyd back to the event and look forward to following his preparations as he works toward crossing the start line in 2027 in Vigo, Spain. About the Skipper Name:

Ross Hubbard – SEA BEAR – Ta Shing Panda 38 (Gary Grant) We are pleased to welcome Ross Hubbard as the newest official entry in the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028. Ross, from Ventura, California (USA), brings decades of seamanship, a professional lifetime spent surveying and testing vessels, and many thousands miles of solo sailing experience. His passion for ocean adventure was born at age 11 when he discovered the National Geographic series following Robin Lee Graham’s circumnavigation aboard Dove — a story that planted a dream he has carried ever since. Ross will take on the Challenge aboard SEA BEAR, a 1984 Ta Shing Panda 38 cutter, a full-keel, heavy-weather cruising design renowned for strength, balance, and ocean-crossing pedigree. Drawing on thousands of professional surveys and sea trials, Ross approaches the event with a clear philosophy: keep the boat simple, strong, redundant, and prepared for the conditions of a 200-day nonstop circumnavigation. As organisers, we are inspired by Ross’s determination to turn a childhood dream into reality and to show that purposeful adventure later in life is not only possible, but profoundly meaningful. We look forward to following his preparations and introducing more skippers in the weeks ahead as the

Philippe Delamare – Mowgli – Winner of the Global Solo Challenge 2023-2024 The Global Solo Challenge will hold a special event in Vigo on Saturday 28 February 2026, celebrating the conclusion of the 2023–2024 edition and officially presenting the skippers entered in the 2027–2028 event. The day will include a press conference, a public session with round tables and presentations, and an evening dinner by invitation. A meeting between two editions The event will bring together past and future participants of the Global Solo Challenge at the Real Club Náutico de Vigo, the host port of the upcoming 2027–2028 edition. Confirmed attendees include Philippe Delamare, winner of the Global Solo Challenge 2023–2024 aboard Mowgli; Andrea Mura, third-place finisher and fastest time with Vento di Sardegna; François Gouin, fifth-place finisher and skipper of Kawan Unicancer; Louis Robein, seventh-place finisher and skipper of Le Souffle de la Mer III; Alessandro Tosetti, who completed his two-part voyage in 2025 aboard Aspra; Dafydd Hughes, skipper of Bendigedig; Juan Merediz, Spanish skipper returning to compete in 2027 after taking part in 2023; representatives of the Real Club Náutico de Vigo led by President Tone Pérez Castro; representatives of the Cofradía Europea de la Vela led

Real Club Náutico de Vigo (RCNV) – Paco Riveras, Marco Nannini, Tone Pérez Castro, Paco Quiroga (CEV) During a visit to Vigo in July 2025, Global Solo Challenge organiser Marco Nannini met with the leadership team of the Real Club Náutico de Vigo (RCNV), reaffirming the club’s commitment to hosting the start and finish of the 2027–2028 edition of the round-the-world sailing event. The meeting at the Yacht Club was both warm and productive, bringing together newly elected president Antonio “Tone” Pérez Castro, Jaime Garcia, and Sailing & Marina lead Paco Riveras. It was an opportunity to congratulate Tone on his appointment at the helm of the club during its centennial (1926–2026), and to lay the groundwork for a renewed collaboration. President Pérez confirmed the RCNV’s support for the Global Solo Challenge, first announced in 2024 under the leadership of former president José Antonio Portela. Discussions covered the race schedule, event logistics, and opportunities to host pre-start initiatives at the club, all pointing toward a strong and unified approach to delivering a successful 2027 edition. This shared vision reflects the broader momentum of nautical tourism in Galicia. As Xosé Merelles, Director of Turismo de Galicia, recently stated: “El turismo náutico

Christophe Bogrand – Sterec Bleu – Tocade 50 (Patrick Balta) We are pleased to welcome Christophe Bogrand as the 17th confirmed entry in the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. Christophe, from Ploerdut in the Morbihan region of France, brings with him a lifetime of sailing experience and over 150,000 miles sailed. His passion for the sea began in early childhood, sailing with his parents on their wooden Bélouga, and continued through a lifetime of coastal and offshore adventures, including a family circumnavigation. Christophe will be taking on the challenge aboard Sterec Bleu, a 50-foot monohull built in wood epoxy. His approach to the event reflects a love of sailing that values preparation, simplicity, and making the most of existing boats and equipment. Having recently completed a transatlantic crossing to test Sterec Bleu in race conditions, Christophe is now preparing to return solo to Brittany to complete his qualification for the event. As organisers, we are thrilled to see such experienced sailors joining the Global Solo Challenge and sharing the spirit of the event. We look forward to introducing two more skippers in the coming weeks, as the 2027-2028 edition continues to grow into an exciting and diverse fleet. About the Skipper

Juan Merediz – Waypoint – Class40 Pogo 40S (Finot-Conq) Spanish sailor Juan Merediz has officially entered the 2027–2028 Global Solo Challenge (GSC), marking his return to the event after participating in the inaugural 2023–2024 edition. Merediz, born in 1969, is an experienced sailor with over 150,000 nautical miles to his name. His sailing résumé includes notable races such as the Mini Transat, La Solitaire du Figaro, and the Barcelona World Race.​ In the previous GSC, Merediz sailed aboard his Class40 Waypoint, a Pogo 40S designed by Finot-Conq. Unfortunately, he had to retire from the race due to autopilot issues, lack of appropriate funding and time undermined his campaign. Determined to complete the journey, Merediz is preparing Waypoint for another attempt, aiming to build upon the lessons learned from his prior experience. Merediz’s commitment to the GSC highlights his passion for solo sailing and his dedication to achieving a successful circumnavigation. His return adds depth to the growing roster of sailors preparing for the 2027–2028 challenge. About the Skipper Name: Juan Merediz Nationality: Spain Resides in: Valencia, Spain Born in: 1969 Miles sailed: 150,000+   Where does your passion for sailing come from? I was born with it. I used to

Range Global Services (RGS) is excited to announce it is continuing its partnership with organizers of the Global Solo Challenge (GSC) for its 2027 event. RGS provided Iridium phones and airtime solutions to skippers in the inaugural Global Solo Challenge, and will provide a variety of satellite communication solutions to participants in the next event which begins in August 2027 in Vigo, Galicia, Spain. So far, more than 100 skippers from over 23 nations have expressed interest in participating in the GSC, and so far 15 skippers have formally registered and are confirmed to participate in the non stop around the world race by the three great capes. Race rules require that each yacht carry two satellite phones for this event. One phone will be kept in a waterproof container for use during the event, and the other will be kept securely in a grab bag for extreme emergencies. Both of these phones are required to have spare batteries.  Besides Iridium phones and equipment, many skippers will utilize Starlink satellite equipment to send photos and videos for social media updates. Satellite communication provides a critical component to participants in this grueling event.  Besides gathering crucial weather information to help plot