A very complete double of a successful Covid Project, followed by an adventurous Covid Breakout Achievement, came to fruition in January when Jim Schofield (57) of Blessington returned home to West Wicklow.

His Covid Project was completed in the cramped quarters of his extended garage, where he self-built the 19ft McIntyre Globe 5.80 offshore sailboat Molly Claire. And then his Covid Breakout achievement was solo sailing this tiny boat across the Atlantic via the Canaries. His plan was not to race in the McIntyre Challenge, as he felt his experience was not ready for that, but rather to avail of the shared McIntyre programme which brought everything within a manageable budget.

Thus all being well, Molly Claire will be delivered in a package back to Europe at Lorient in early spring, and meanwhile, Jim Schofield is our “Sailor of the Month” (Offshore) for January.

The still-very new Molly Claire at Lanzarote in November 2021

Irish solo sailor Jim Schofield has turned his ambitions from crossing the Atlantic to something a little closer to home: boat repairs.

Just weeks after finishing the McIntyre Adventure Globe 5.80 Transat Race in his self-built wooden yacht — constructed as a “pandemic project” — the Blessington man has launched FixMyBoat, which promises to cover “boat repairs and maintenance in all forms”.

“My background is telecommunications, so electrical and electronics on boats are my forte,” says the amateur sailor. “Improving boats electrical systems, fitting new equipment or just to fix those annoying little problems for good.

“I have owned several boats and worked on numerous boats for friends. And of course, I built my own boat, Molly Claire, for the transatlantic voyage, so woodwork and plumbing is no problem. I also have access to a stainless steel fabrication shop.”

For more details about Schofield’s new venture, visit fixmyboat.ie

The French ocean sailing pioneer Bernard Moitessier became famous for trying not to be famous. In the Golden Globe challenge of 1968 with his Colin Archer-style steel ketch Joshua, he was very much in contention in the non-stop circumnavigating contest south of the Great Capes. But the more miles that he logged, the more he reckoned that it was almost an insult to the natural wonders of the world and the sea to sail competitively round the globe. So he gradually slowed down and when he got to Cape Horn, instead of turning left and heading to a finish in Europe, he continued on eastward for the second time in the Great Southern Ocean, and eventually hid himself away among the islands of the Pacific.

Jim Schofield (57), a photographer from Blessington in County Wicklow who sails from Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club in Dublin Port, will be known to regular Afloat.ie readers since last year for having self-built a 19ft plywood ocean voyaging boat for the McIntyre Challenge, which aims to provide an affordable version of the classic four-yearly MiniTransat.

The framework of an idea……Jim Schofield building Molly Claire in the confined spaces of his extended garage in Blessington

Despite all the inherent problems in such a totally home-based project being made even more challenging by COVID-caused delays, he completed his boat Molly Claire and sailed her on time to Lanzarote to join the rest of the inaugural flotilla in November. But by then he’d decided that he wouldn’t seriously race in the Transatlantic challenge to Antigua, but would sail in his own good time, with the objective of finishing on December 26th, St Stephens Day.

It was as well he’d set this modest target beforehand, as the first boat finished on December 13th, yet with Jim’s very limited means of communication, those at home who were concerned with his whereabouts knew to expect little info until after Christmas.

Jim at sea – in the Trade Wind passage across the Atlantic, the nights were restless as darkness often brought squalls. Photo: Jim Schofield

And then Jim did a Moitessier of sorts. Having reached the Caribbean, he heard the other boats were headed from Antigua to the French island of Martinique. He re-shaped his course, created his own charts, and reached Martinique in the small hours of the morning of Christmas Day.

If you want to slip under the radar completely, the shrewdest move is to arrive at an unexpected destination on Christmas morning, when the only traffic anticipated is a large airborne sleigh driven by an unfeasibly jolly fat man in a red suit, and towed by reindeers led by a nasally-challenged neurotic called Rudolph.

Molly Claire and her tired but happy skipper were none of these things. And they became even more invisible as the Sydney-Hobart Race took over global sailing attention. Which was maybe just as Jim Schofield wanted it be, for he was left in peace to snug down his little boat for shipping back to Europe, while at the same time preparing to avail of arrangements to fly home to Ireland and Blessington via Paris.

The ensign of the Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Cub flies proudly in the northeast trade wind at Martinique. Photo: Jim Schofield

Thus Christmas was a lively time for Blessington sailing in distant parts, as Jim Nixon of Blessington ancestry raced his 27th Rolex Sydney-Hobart as Sailing Master on the restored vintage S&S 34 Azzura, and finished an excellent fourth overall, while in Martinique Jim Schofield was still getting used to the idea that his little garage-built boat had sailed the Atlantic. He takes up the story here:

THE VOYAGE OF THE MOLLY CLAIRE

The five boats departed Lanzarote on the 17th November, a day early to avail of the dropping wind. I moved slowly down east of the Canaries and met variable airs off the African coast until the 23rd when Molly Claire finale got moving well. Within two days, the wind and seas had built up and I stayed well reefed until the 2nd of December when we were just west of the Cape Verdes. I later heard this time was 30 to 35 knot winds and 3 - 4 metre seas. Big seas for a 19ft boat……

Early December began our open ocean voyage properly, full trade winds and seas, and no going back. A one-way conveyor belt to the Leeward Islands. The grind continued every day, eating, sleeping, checking Molly Claire and keeping my mind and body in order. Days were hot and, sunny with consistent wind and wave. Then every evening, the cloud built all around and after dark, the wind usually picked up and the odd squall kept me on my toes.

By the 16th of December, I saw on my little satellite text machine that the other four had reached Antigua. I was a long way behind but since I was not racing, it came as no surprise. Rocking on until the 19th of December, the plan changed to head for Martinique. The other boats were being moved there so I tacked back again south across the Trades. I had charts of Antiqua and nearby islands but not Martinique, so I spent several hours drawing pilotage plans from Navionics on my phone.

Conditions in Martinique were everything Jim had hoped for. Photo: Jim Schofield

On Christmas Eve, I shouted “Land Ho” when I saw land for the first time in 35 days. It was a grey day and blowing well. As night rolled on, I sailed just south of Phare de L’Ilet Cabrits lighthouse and tacked north into St. Annes Bay. I saw dozens of boats anchored as fireworks flared up into the sky and music blared from the bars along the shore. Sailing as close as I dared, I shone my head torch into the water and was delighted to see white sand no more than 5 metres below. Down came the sails, over went the anchor and I sat in the cockpit just soaking in the end of our voyage. I had arrived at 1.30 on Christmas morning. Next day, I radioed Eteinne, the first competitor home. He organised a French sailor friend to tow me into La Marin marina.

The next three days were spent getting Molly Claire ready to be shipped home and I flew home via Paris, in time to be back for New Year.

Overall, the voyage was a lot tougher than I had expected, both physically and mentally. I found depths of persistence and resilience I had not known were there before, which can’t be a bad thing!

A snug berth at journey’s end. To put this voyage in perspective, the home-built Molly Claire is the same hull length as a Squib, while she is a foot shorter than a Flying Fifteen, and a foot longer than a Shannon One Design or a Belfast Lough Waverley. Photo: Jim Schofield

More on the design of the Transat 580 here

Dublin solo sailor Jim Schofield has taken a more conservative stance towards the McIntyre Adventure Globe 5.80 Transat Race, and is sailing his Molly Claire (Hull 57) under reduced canvass. Schofield’s primary objective is to cross the Atlantic Ocean on his own, on a boat he built himself as a “pandemic project”. An objective he is reaching brilliantly, aiming to land in Antigua in time for St. Stephen's Day. 

Meanwhile, on 13th of December, Etienne Messikommer (Switzerland) with his colourful Numbatou (Hull 88) crossed the finish line at 20:48 UTC, sailing into Antigua after 26 days, 7 hours, and 48 minutes at sea, to win the inaugural 2021 McIntyre Adventure Globe 5.80 Transat Race, Numbatou had covered 3184 nm since leaving Lanzarote. “I did not sleep much in the last three days, it’s been intense but I’m very happy to be here in Antigua.” Said Etienne on his arrival.

Dublin solo sailor Jim Schofield

Followed by Michal Krysta (Czech Republic) who crossed the line with his Menawan (Hull 07) at 01:19 UTC at the same night, after weeks of a captivating mano-a-mano at the forefront of the fleet, sticking together since the very start from Lagos on the Western option, while the rest of the fleet headed East.

“I did not sleep much in the last three days, it’s been intense but I’m very happy to be here in Antigua.” Said Etienne on his arrival. Picture Credit: Alison Sly-Adams

“It’s been a tough battle and exhausting to steer that much falling asleep on the tiller, I went through the whole emotional spectrum and now can’t wait to go on land and discover Antigua!” Said Michal on arrival. Picture Credit; Aïda Valceanu

Numbatou and Menawan are now moored in Antigua’s National Sailing Academy. “We are delighted to welcome the Globe 580 Transat to the National Sailing Academy Dock. The channel coming into our dock is 6-7 feet, so it’s as if the boats were built specially to come in!” said Alison Sly-Adams, the Academy’s General Manager. “It’s inspiring for our youths to meet the sailors and understand the challenges they have endured to follow their dream of building and racing their own boats across the Atlantic.”

Both sailors had sailed their Globe 5.80 together from Les Sables d’Olonne to Lagos, spending valuable time on the water, speed-testing, learning the boat in variable weather and sea conditions. The pair also led the fleet during the 600 nm qualifier from Lagos (Portugal) to Lanzarote (Spain) and were widely seen as the main contenders for the inaugural Globe 5.80 Transat.

Michal Krysta and Etienne Messikommer have been pushing each other since day one. Picture taken on Lagos start day. Credit: G580T

Michal Krysta and Etienne Messikommer have been pushing each other since day one, posting superior speed to the rest of the fleet, but what was far from certain, was which one of them would be first in Antigua. They have distinct - nearly opposite - styles of sailing; Etienne has huge solo mileage and cruising experience, showcasing a laid-back, windvane-steered style, keeping the boat and sailors fresh, perfect for long-distance. Michal in the other end is a through-and-through extreme sports athlete and competitor, known for his full-on and full-sail style, hand-steering most of the time and big on hiking to get the best speed out of Menawan.

In fact, Krysta has consistently been posting the best speed and distances on the 5.80, holding the Class Globe 5.80 speed record at 16,9 knots and the best 24-hour distance at 158 miles, but has been plagued by windvane and autopilot issues, requiring long hours on the helm. After days of this racing regime keeping close to Numbatou, the lack of sleep has been an issue for the last few days of the race, but Michal is shining as a true contender for the trophy!

“It was a big dream to make it to Antigua and now I’m here. It feels really good!” Said Michal on arrival. “It’s been a tough battle and exhausting to steer that much falling asleep on the tiller, I went through the whole emotional spectrum and now can’t wait to go on land and discover Antigua!”

Class Globe 5.80 founder and competitor Don McIntyre with his Trekka (Hull 01) has a comfortable lead over Peter Kenyon (Hull 47 Origami ). McIntyre should cross the line in third position on the morning of the 15th. Don and Peter have been racing close quarters since taking the eastern option along the west African coast at the start of the race, but Don has been extending his lead over the last days of the race.

If no surprises, Class Globe 5.80 founder Don McIntyre (Aus) will be on the podium. Picture taken on Lanzarote start day. Credit: G580T

Race Director Lutz Kohne is delighted with the results to date and the seamanship of the sailors. “First off, congratulations to Etienne Messikommer and Michal Krysta. They have both sailed an impressive race, finishing only 4.5 hours apart after 26 days of racing.” said Lutz, “The fleet is demonstrating the incredible competitiveness of the Globe 5.80 Class that puts the skills and capabilities of the sailor back to center of focus- not the technology.”

After several days of calm weather that tested everybody’s nerves, the fleet has finally caught the trade winds. The four leading boats are currently leaving the Cabo Verde Islands in their wake while Jim Schofield (Ireland) in his Molly Claire, who took a more conservative start and missed the first weather system, is crossing the latitude of Nouadhibou in Mauritania.

Globe 580 Transat Race Director Lutz Kohne is relieved to see his sailors finally getting some wind! “After a week of patchy winds, we are happy to see that our old friend, the Azores High, settled in again this weekend, giving the guys steady trades and boat speeds above 5 knots. Being becalmed in the middle of the ocean is one of the significant mental challenges of solo sailing, and I am impressed how well the Globe 5.80 Transat skippers have sat it out and enjoyed the beautiful nature around them!"

With less than 2000 NM to go, the sailors have completed one-third of the voyage. Picture taken on the first leg start day in Lagos. Credit: G580T

Fleet finally catching trade winds after 12 days of patchy winds along the African coast. Sailors now sailing west in tropical weather and steady winds, leaving Cabo Verde and Jim Schofield (Ireland) with his Molly Claire behind.

The southern group of Etienne Messikommer (Switzerland) in his Numbatou and Michal Krysta (Czech Republic) in his Menawan have just passed Mindelo in Cabo Verde, which Michal chose to round south. Shadowed by the island for most of Sunday with less wind, he let Etienne increase the gap between them through better speed, but as always between those two, this is far from over!

Meanwhile, 100 nm north of them, Peter Kenyon (UK) whose Origami and Don McIntyre (Australia) whose Trekka are still battling it out on a parallel route on the same longitude. Don is thrilled to finally cross the 20° north latitude, enabling a more direct route towards Antigua.

With less than 2000 nm to go, the sailors have completed one-third of the voyage, and the most challenging part of it, with elusive winds and heavy traffic. They are all shirtless, in good spirits, with the boats in perfect condition for the last part of this inaugural 580 voyage from Lagos to Antigua.

You could feel their spirits were high through their tweets on Nov 26 ( DAY 9):

N°01 DON MCINTYRE (AUSTRALIA): great night give me wind i go fast give me blue i go happy give me warm i go naked give me trekka i go to antigua happy naked sailor
N°07 MICHAL KRYSTA (CZECH): Perfect wind condition today. Menawan is flying to south-west as fast as she can. Klárce hubana, zítrasivoláme ?.
N°88 ETIENNE MESSIKOMMER (SWITZERLAND): YO. flying fish all around and the tipical tropial heat fill with moister. yes in the tropics we are. best option naked live.
N°47 PETER KENYON (UK): Found my second flying fish of the journey in the corner of the cockpit this morning. Been watching some live ones do some huge leaps across the wake this pm.
Nº57 JIM SCHOFIELD (IRELAND) : Still moving! Spirits good.

Globe 580 founder and Transat competitor Don McIntyre is especially pleased with the boat, and he always compared this small boat journey with his 2010 Bounty Boat Expedition which with very little food and no toilet paper. And this time he has plenty.

Globe 580 founder and Transat competitor Don McIntyre is especially pleased with the boat, and his sailing time is giving him even more ideas for the class. “We are learning as we go but now have significant mileage in the fleet in wind conditions ranging from 0 to 50 knots with no damage.” Don said over the weekend, “The design is excellent, the boat is strong and can carry weight. This gives me several ideas about the future of the class for the less experienced or the more social sailors. Expect big news in Boot Dusseldorf!”

Severin Hummer will bring his race-ready 5.80 #98 on display on the McIntyre Adventure stand in Boot Dusseldorf. The 25-year-old from Switzerland decided not to participate in the 3000 nm leg after successfully completing the 600 nm qualifier, and will trailer his Shrimp back to continental Europe before taking her to Dusseldorf for the boat show from January 22 to 30. Picture Credit: Aïda Valceanu/ G580T

The McIntyre Adventure team will be participating in Boot Dusseldorf from January 22 to 30 and invites builders to come and see for themselves a race-ready, rigged Globe 580 boat exhibited on the stand. They will meet fellow builders and Transat 580 competitors and learn about the latest developments of this fast-growing fleet with more than 150 plans been sold and more than 50 currently being built.

If you are looking for a winter project and want to build your ocean capable racing yacht, visit www.classglobe580.com, and the builders’ blog page

A group of four Spanish boat builders planned a trip to Lanzarote to surprise the Globe 5.80 Transat entrants before their Atlantic crossing, only to find out the start was moved forward before their landing time on Wednesday (17 November), a day earlier than previously scheduled.

Just as they decided to delay the start of the first leg in Lagos, Portigal to greet competitor and Irish solo sailor Jim Schofield on arrival, the participating boats and race director agreed to delay the start for another three hours to meet the group of Spanish builders and show them the finished boats in race condition.

The spirit of the 5.80 family runs deep and delayed starts to meet fellow builders and sailors — now part of the race history — may well become a tradition, race organisers suggest.

The Leg 1 late starters, Schofield and class founder Don McIntyre, did not dilly dally this time — crossing the start line in first and second position right on the gun, leaving the youngster in their wake: Michal Krysta unusually under-canvassed, Peter Kenyon full-on with the A5 up and Etienne Messikommer closing the line in relaxed mode.

Michal Krysta, above, and Etienne Messikommer — the leaders of the first leg — sailed the shorter course west of Fuerteventura | Credit: Eli Van den Broek/Ocean Frontiers OGR

Immediately after the start, the 5.80 fleet divided in two decisive options on both side of Fuerteventura, with Michal and Etienne — the leaders of the first leg — sailing the shorter course west while Jim, Don and Peter chose the east side of the island to towards stronger winds along the west coast of Africa.

Today (Friday 19 November) it looked like the western option paid off, with Etienne and Michal sneaking in the lead of the fleet once again. But with the wind dying slowly, this is far from over and could well drag on until the skippers catch the trade winds further south.

In any case, time is not an issue for the Globe Transat fleet as the 5.80 sailors packed food, books and music for over a month, relishing the prospect of being alone at sea for a long while.

As class founder Don McIntyre said before the start: “The Globe 5.80 has the best price/fun/time on the water ratio of any ocean racing class!”

Due to a weak weather forecast for the scheduled start on November 18th, the Race Director and the five remaining entrants of the inaugural Globe 5.80 Transat including Irish solo sailor Jim Schofield have agreed to move the start date forward to Wednesday, 17 November at 10:00 am UTC.

“The guys look very organized and are very eager to finally set off across the Atlantic. “said Race Director Lutz Kohne, “ With days of forecast calm weather approaching, all agreed we must leave RUBICON MARINA as soon as possible to get south and hopefully reach the Trades much sooner.”

“It’s a testament of the sailors’ will to get going, the boat’s design, and the technical choices made” said competitor and Race Founder Don McIntyre, “The boats and crews resisted well to the testing conditions of the first leg, needed no repairs and little preparation so let's go!”

The 3000nm 2nd leg will leave from Rubicon Marina in Lanzarote to Antigua, Caribbean one day early. The five entrants and the organising team pictured above

With a daily average between 120 to 140 nautical miles with the right conditions, the sailors expect a crossing time between 3 to 4 weeks, arriving in the Caribbean with time to spare before Christmas on the sandy beaches of Antigua.

25 year old Swiss entrant Severin Hummer

25-year-old Swiss entrant Severin Hummer, youngest in the fleet, has decided not to continue with the 3000 nm second leg, after building his 5.80 in one year and valiantly completing the qualifier from Lagos to Lanzarote, his first real solo ocean passage.

“I love my 5.80 and she sails well” said Severin Hummer “but at the moment a 3000 mile passage feels a little daunting so I will sit this one out and follow my gut feeling.”

Jim Schofield: “it’s a two-part experience in my bucket list: build the boat first, and then cross an ocean on it”. 

Etienne, the first leg winner, is a long-distance sailor having cruised the Pacific single-handed over three years but not a racer; Michal is an extreme sport athlete, making up the lack of offshore mileage with his competitor instinct and experience; and Peter, an enthusiast who sailed a classic wooden boat around the UK, surprised everyone by sticking with the two leaders despite his lack of mileage on the 580.

"Boats and Sailors in excellent shape after their 600NM qualifier with no repairs needed"

“I really enjoyed the qualifier”, Peter said at the conference. ”First time ocean racing, first time on the boat for any length of time, a really enjoyable process. The next leg should be 6 times as much fun!”

Offshore and ocean racers with a lot of miles under the keel, experienced solo-sailors Jim and Don haven’t had a chance to measure up against the youngsters yet, due to their late start from Lagos.

In the end, however, all are in for the experience. As Jim puts it: “it’s a two-part experience in my bucket list: build the boat first, and then cross an ocean on it”. 

The six solo sailors entered in the first edition of the Globe 5.80 Transat as launched by Don McIntyre (who is racing) arrived in Lanzarote at the end of the first stage from Lagos, the Swiss Etienne Messikommer won.

The second stage bound for Antigua starts on November 18.

With a late starter, Jim Schofield from Ireland, arriving safely in Marina Rubicon Lanzarote on November 10, all entrants of this eventful inaugural qualifier are gathered in Lanzarote (Spain), including Class Globe 5.80 Class founder Don McIntyre.

All are celebrating the start of an adventure that began just over a year ago, as they each started building their plywood epoxy kit 5.8mtr Mini ocean racers. All in different countries, but with a shared dream to make the Globe Transat.

All skippers and yachts in Lanzarote, now preparing for the Nov. 18th start of the second 3000 nm leg to Antigua.

N° 88, the swiss entry Numbatou from Etienne Messikommer won the first leg, completing the 600 nautical miles qualifier in 4 days, 20 hours and 55 minutes after a constant battle with the elements, and the Czech entry Menawan from Michal Krysta.

The 600 nm qualifier leg was won by Numbatou, from Swiss entry Etienne Messikommer.

Many skippers themselves wondered how the boat would perform due to the little time at sea, with only Numbatou and Menawan clocking offshore miles between Les Sables d’Olonnes and Lagos in Portugal before the start.

The Czech entry Michal Krysta (Hull 07: Menawan) here pushing to the finish line with it all up! a few hours behind first place

The boat, however, behaved splendidly, the Globe 580 Transat Race Director Lutz Kohne puts it: “With all experiencing a mix of conditions and gusts to 35 knots and above with swells of 3-4 meters, these amateur home build boats just proved their seaworthiness and fun factor.”

Don McIntyre sailed his TREKKA through the biggest storm and probably learnt the most about this new experimental design. After spending a night running under bare poles steered by wind vane at 5-8kts, getting plenty of sleep below, conditions continued to build the next day climaxing in 45-55kts with 5mtrs seas for five hours before rapidly abating.

TREKKA arrives Lanzarote after sailing through 45-55kt storm with 5mtr seas.

“She is simply an amazing boat that feels bigger than she is,” said Don McIntyre” you have to sail her like a small displacement boat sitting IN the water, NOT on top, and reduce sail to go faster! She will surf in swells, can take you around the world and look after me in that storm.”

Most experienced surfing surges of 12-14kts with Michal clocking up to 16 knots and regularly posting 24-hour distance above 130 miles but could not work out how to use his wind vane .

Michal recalls: “Due to issues with the pilot and wind vane, I have spent up to 70 hours at the helm with winds of 40 knots going down big walls of water in the 5.80 reaching a personal best of 16 knots of boat speed!”

The Czech entry Michal Krysta (Hull 07: Menawan) here pushing to the finish line with it all up! A few hours behind first place.

Other entrants have not helmed that much, praising the efficiency of their South Atlantic wind vane, such as Etienne: I am very pleased with the boat and the self-steering gear; in particular, I barely touched the helm. The ship is small and nimble, so I felt like a washing machine in the crossed, confused seas of the early days, but never in danger. She behaves like a bigger boat, and I have learned to push her to max speed to gain momentum and control in the big seas.

Third, Peter Kenyon had less time on the boat than Etienne and Michal on the podium but kept in touch throughout the race. “It was quite an eventful inaugural trip! From my best moment was dolphins waking me up from my nap in the cockpit to the worst, finding water in the aft compartment and not knowing where it had come from…” After finding the water ingress came from fittings in the cockpit that we constantly awash with waves, Peter has only praises for the design: “the boat is the biggest surprise of those testing 600 miles, she feels solid, really safe and confidence-inspiring.”

Severin Hummer (Nº98: Shrimp, Switzerland) at 25 is the youngest entrant and took a few days to settle into this solo challenge and then come to terms with how best to handle the boat. The wind vane was challenging, so used an electric autopilot. Full of passion and determined he is happy for the wind vane advice now given by other entrants and looking forward to the next leg.

The UK entry Peter Kenyon (Hull 47: Origami) came 3rd.

3,000 nm to Antigua

Leg two is already in everyone’s mind a week before the start, while the boat design and home-built construction satisfied entrants and organizers alike; some valuable lessons were learned from leg one, with tweaks and mods being planned.

It is mainly improving storage on board with more places to store small items below and placing deck fittings and blocks to simplify manoeuvres. The big question is weight distribution and loading. Many put heavy items at the mast position and above the keel, but some may now move weights further aft.

When asked about Leg 2, Race Director Lutz Kohne mentioned, “Sleep, mental strength and the right tweak of wind vane and mainsail will be the key elements to be competitive for the race starting November 18.”

The gallant 5.80 skippers have a week to work on their boats, stock-up food and rest, but they are already established as trailblazers by the 150 other Globe 5.80 builders worldwide, all watching and learning. They are making history in this new trend of home-built, one-design racing, all true legends within the fast-growing Class Globe 5.80 family!

The farewell PRESS CONFERENCE for the Globe 5.80 Transat with all skippers is set for 1100hrs UTC on Monday 15th NOV at Rubicon Marina Lanzarote. Covered live on Facebook at the Globe 580 Transat page www.Globe580Transat.com 

McIntyre Adventure Globe 5.80 Transat First Leg Top 3, left to right: Peter, Michal and Etienne.  Photo: Aïda Valceanu

The inaugural McIntyre Adventure Globe 5.80 Transat course