Which are the differences between the Golden Globe Race, Vendée Globe and Global Solo Challenge?
by Dave Proctor 23 Sep 2022 17:32 BST
GSC entrant - Ronnie Simpson's Open 50 Sparrow © Global Solo Challenge
The second edition of the Golden Globe Race started from Les Sables d'Olonne, France, on 4th September 2022. With 15 yachts, manned by some incredible skippers, crossing the start line.
Thousands of people lined the quays, together with a flotilla of yachts who watched the start of this event, and details of the event were reported around the world.
The International Association of Cape Horners, inaugurated a Cape Horn Hall of Fame, in the Golden Globe Race village at the port on 31st August 2022, to honour the names of famous Cape Horners past and present. The annual awards won long-term sponsorship from the French port, and this inauguration meant that many famous names, like Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Chay Blyth and many others were present for the start of the Golden Globe Race, which added to the profile of this start. The International Association of Cape Horners is also a partner of the Global Solo Challenge.
Indeed, Sir Robin was asked if he was going to take part, but claimed that he was 'too busy.'
All in all, a good start to a race. The port of Les Sables d'Olonne, had really pulled the stops out to create a great occasion.
Now the Golden Globe Race is termed a "retro" race in that, it is meant to be a re-creation of the famous 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, famously won by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on board Suhaili, who, in being the only person to finish the course, became the first man to circumnavigate the World solo and non-stop.
The ethos of the current race is, that the skippers should only have the equipment that Sir Robin had available then, and that they should rely on the traditional seafaring skills as to navigation and any 'modern' equipment should not be available to them.
The Golden Globe Race (GGR) is an open non-handicap event limited to designated pre-1988 designed yachts and entry is by invitation only.
Currently there are only three sailing events that challenge sailors to sail single-handed around the world, unassisted, non-stop, by the three great capes, namely the Golden Globe Race, Vendée Globe and the Global Solo Challenge, so we'll try to further understand the different nature of each event.
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