Global Solo Challenge skippers meet in Vigo, 28 February 2026

Francois Gouin - Kawan3 Unicancer © Global Solo Challenge

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, will welcome attending skippers as Friends of the Cofradía.

The ceremony will be presented by Juan Caballero, a renowned journalist and sailing photographer based in Vigo.

Celebrating the 2023-2024 Edition

The inaugural edition brought together 20 entries, 16 starters and 7 finishers representing nine nationalities. None of the starters had previously completed a solo non-stop circumnavigation via the three great capes. Over approximately 25,000 miles, the fleet faced dismastings, autopilot failures, medical issues, rescues and weather systems typical of the Southern Ocean.

Seven skippers completed their solo circumnavigation and returned safely to Galicia; only five managed to do so without the need for any technical stops. Others were forced to retire after significant ocean miles and complex technical challenges. The event in Vigo will formally recognise both finishers and retired entrants, acknowledging that a round-the-world project represents years of preparation regardless of the final ranking.

The Chairman of the International Association of Cape Horners, Archie Fairley, will attend to honour those Global Solo Challenge competitors who have graduated as Cape Horners and solo circumnavigators.

Presenting the 2027-2028 Edition

The second edition of the Global Solo Challenge is already taking shape. To date, 23 skippers representing 14 nationalities across five continents have entered the 2027-2028 edition of the race, with more than a dozen additional skippers working in the background and planning to take on the challenge.

The event is a great opportunity for entrants in the next edition to meet former participants, discuss preparations and receive invaluable advice. One of the founding aspects of the event is the strong camaraderie that exists among skippers, who often become friends for life through sharing such an extraordinary adventure.

The fleet once again reflects the diversity of the format: from modern Class40s and Open designs to aluminium blue-water cruisers and smaller production yachts. Several skippers from the first edition are returning to complete unfinished campaigns, underlining the continuity of the project.

By presenting the next edition alongside the celebration of the first, the event in Vigo creates a direct link between those who have just returned from sea and those preparing to depart.

Programme - 28 February

The event will be structured in two parts:

12:00 - 13:00 Morning session (authorities and invited guests)
17:00 - 20:00 Afternoon public session: 2023-2024 prize-giving and 2027-2028 entrants presentation
21:00 Evening dinner at the Club

The objective is both commemorative and forward-looking: to recognise achievement, to reinforce institutional collaboration in Vigo, and to consolidate the Global Solo Challenge as a long-term international sporting event based in Galicia.

Registration Reminder

The 17:00 event at the Real Club Náutico de Vigo is free to attend and open to the public; registration is required to facilitate organisation.

Online registration

Those wishing to attend the dinner should confirm and purchase their ticket by Thursday afternoon so that final numbers can be provided to the Club.

Dinner ticket

We look forward to welcoming skippers, partners, media and supporters in Vigo this Saturday to close one chapter of the Global Solo Challenge and formally open the next.

Global Solo Challenge 2023-2024 skippers attending the event: Philippe Delamare (FRA), Andrea Mura (ITA), Riccardo Tosetto (ITA), François Gouin (FRA), David Linger (USA), Louis Robein (FRA), Juan Merediz (ESP), Ari Känsäkoski (FIN), Dafydd Hughes (GBR), Alessandro Tosetti (ITA), Ronnie Simpson (USA).

Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028 entries attending the event: Juan Merediz (ESP), Ronnie Simpson (USA), Ivan Dimov (BGR), Lloyd Davey (GBR), Sylvain Canet (FRA), Marcello Queirolo (ITA), Jerome Delire (FRA), Pablo Gonzalez Parodi (URY), Michal Krysta (CZE), Hiroki Nakayama (JPN).