Insurance has been a critical and frequently discussed topic in the Global Solo Challenge (GSC) 2027 WhatsApp group. The key points covered in the discussions include:
1. Types of Insurance Required
- Third-Party Liability Insurance (Civil Liability)
- Mandatory for all GSC participants.
- Minimum coverage required is €3 million.
- Essential because port authorities will not allow boats to depart without proof of coverage.
- Most skippers in the 2023 edition had third-party insurance only.
- Cost was around €2,200–€2,500 in 2023.
- Fully Comprehensive Insurance
- More difficult to obtain, especially for solo offshore races.
- Premiums range from 8% to 12% of the insured boat’s value.
- Policies often exclude mast and spars coverage or have very high deductibles.
- Some skippers opt for hull-only insurance as a total-loss policy due to high costs.
- Only a few boats had comprehensive coverage in 2023.
2. Challenges in Finding Insurance
- Insurance companies are generally reluctant to cover solo offshore races due to racing risk, solo sailing risk, and worldwide waters exposure.
- Policy exclusions can be problematic, e.g., some policies exclude coverage for named storms or limit coverage to a maximum Beaufort force (e.g., Force 7 or 8).
- Some insurers do not offer policies to boats in certain countries, despite covering long-distance offshore sailing.
- There have been complaints about insurers voiding policies based on technicalities.
3. Insurance Providers Mentioned
- Edward Williams: Covered most skippers for third-party liability in 2023. Offered full cover to only one boat, which was later abandoned, but the claim was paid in full.
- Millstream: Provided third-party insurance for one boat.
- Ita Assicurazione: Provided full insurance to one boat; GSC organizers are considering reaching out to them for future partnerships.
- Pantaenius: Known for insuring Mini 6.50 boats, but they previously backed out of offering insurance to GSC participants despite initial promises.
- Ametys / Franck Ludot: A French insurer mentioned for offshore sailing.
4. Additional Insurance Considerations
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Costs
- SAR is usually free in life-threatening situations but may incur liability in some jurisdictions.
- As an example, the towing operation of Louis Robein in Tierra del Fuego cost €15,500 for 95 miles.
- In some countries, skippers may be charged for wreck clean-ups if their boat crashes onshore.
- Medical and Travel Insurance
- Skippers are advised to get medical insurance, as hospital costs vary widely.
- In the US, a hospital visit without insurance could exceed the cost of the entire campaign.
- Some skippers used Topsail Insurance for travel insurance.
- French nationals can access free telemedicine services.
- MSOS offers paid telemedicine services.
- Policy Documentation
- Insurers consider the GSC a race, even if it is officially classified otherwise.
- The policy must explicitly state that it covers participation in the Global Solo Challenge.
- A general worldwide policy is not sufficient; skippers need written confirmation.
Conclusion
Insurance remains a complex necessity for GSC skippers. While third-party liability insurance is mandatory, comprehensive coverage is difficult to secure and comes with high costs. Skippers must carefully review policies, ensure written confirmation of coverage for the GSC, and anticipate potential exclusions that could leave them without protection in critical situations.
