McIntyre Mini Globe fleet sets off on the last leg of solo around the world race

History in the making. On Thursday, the 11 Mighty Mini's left Recife, Brazil for the final 2,300-mile sprint to the finish line © andrerickoficial

On Thursday 19th February 2026 at 2pm local time, eleven ALMA Class Globe 580 Mighty Mini's racing in the McIntyre Mini Globe Race set sail from Recife in Brazil on the last 2300-mile leg of a 24,000-mile solo race around the planet. A concept so bold and outrageous, that you need to stop and think about what that truly means?

The start line was set inside Recife Harbour beside the impressive CRYSTAL TOWER on the breakwater and ZERO PARK in the city. The Brazilian FPVela (Pernambuco Sailing Federation) ran the start in perfect conditions with a spectacular backdrop. The winds were light, but the atmosphere electric and on a high with the expectation of what lay ahead. Everyone knows what that means!

Huge thanks to the incredible Christine Turner for the fantastic LIVE coverage, FPVella team for a flawless start, and the team at Marina Recife for looking after our fleet like family. You made this possible! We'll be back in 2029 for sure. Bring it on! - photo © andrerickoficial

"We will miss the 580 teams and it was a pleasure to host the Mini Globe Race at our marina where all the competitors are very friendly and approachable. It was fantastic they were able to experience the Carnival and our Brazilian culture! We hope to see The Mini GLobe Race again in 2029! Again many more times......": Manolo and Sueli- Recife Marina the MGR2025-26 port hosts. Yannick Ollivier and the FPVela Start team who managed the stopover for MGR2025-26.

The eleven ALMA CG580s are bound for the National Sailing Academy in Antigua from where they left one year before. 15 sailors set out in their home-built plywood 19ft/5.8mtr yachts February 23rd, 2025. Since then, three retired for financial reasons and one for a health issue. Those still sailing have since amassed a lifetime of memories filled with exotic destinations, scary moments, serious challenges and very tight one design racing. Only a few days separate the lead pack.

The last stopover. One final group shot. What started as brave sailors has become an unbreakable family. Next stop: Antigua - photo © Nikki Turner

There is a great sense of comradery amongst entrants only they truly understand. No one knew if this race was even possible. None of the sailors underestimated the challenge and now they have nearly done it. It's been far from easy! Over half the fleet struggled through a dark psychological place since the relief of reaching Cape Town. Many have been questioning why, what for and what's next? Their lives are changed and they all realise how lucky they are to challenge their dreams! They are redefining themselves and it shows. They LOVE the McIntyre Mini Globe!

This last sail home is a tactical challenge through the doldrums, collision risk with floating logs from the Amazon, extreme currents and the wind more on the beam, or forward of it and strong in the last days into Antigua. Sails are tired and sun damaged, but the boats are strong. Eric Marsh on Sunbear took a 48hr time penalty before departure for fitting a new Mainsail. Others are taking a chance they can hold their sails together. Will that work?

Keri Harris nailed the start – first across the line. But he rolled the dice, heading offshore for current and stronger breeze. The fleet held inshore. 14 hours later, that gamble cost him 40 miles - photo © andrerickoficial

The first 24hrs are pleasant. Keri Harris (#47 Origami / UK) and Christian Sauer (#103 Argo / DE) headed offshore to make for the current and stronger breeze but the rest of the fleet held inshore with light headwinds laying the course. 14 hours later Keri was 40 miles behind Pilar Pasanau (#98 Peter Punk / ES) leading the fleet for the first time. She has made it clear she wants to do well on this leg. More than a few are stating they hope to be in front of Renaud Stitelmann (#28 Capucinette / CH) who has won every leg all the way around the world! This is already proving to be exciting...watch this space, the 24hr Tracker and Don's daily LIVE Tracker update on Facebook and YouTube at 1200UTC.

Pleasant start and 14 hours after leaving Recife, Pilar Pasanau has taken the lead – a first for her in the entire circumnavigation. She said she wanted to shine on this leg. She meant it - photo © andrerickoficial

It's never over till the fat lady sings but having experienced this incredibly raw and back to basics solo circumnavigation race, it may never be over for the rest of their life! How could you forget such an achievement, such a journey, such an amazing part of the short lives we all live!....Life hey!

You can track the fleet here.