Kerry solo sailor Pat Lawless is in Gijon, Spain, to take part in the Golden Globe prologue race on Sunday, August 14, from there to Les Sables d'Olonne in France from where the Golden Globe Race itself will start on September 4.

From Gijon, Pat has told Afloat: "Nice weather here in Gijon. Had quite a bit of hand steering from Cork to Les Sables d'Olonne. Nice sail down to Gijon. Still stressed getting everything done, but that will make the start better."

He left Crosshaven on Tuesday, July 26 and put into Las Sables d'Olonne on the way to Spain.

Gijon, Spain

Eighteen sailors from 12 nations have entered this year's Golden Globe Race. Pat Lawless is Ireland's only entry.

The SITraN Challenge, a 280-mile course, will take them from Gijón to the port of Sables d'Olonne, where the race village will be open from August 20 to September 4. The number of entrants, 18, is down from the 30 who originally paid entry fees and is the same number as in the last race four years ago.

The GGR is "a race of attrition rather than performance, a journey to the finish that in many ways has already begun and this year is no exception," say the race organisers.

As Pat Lawless left Crosshaven this morning to take part in the Golden Globe Race, it was somewhat fitting that he was surrounded by National18s heading for the start line of their National Championships and, accompanied by Crosshaven lifeboat giving him a farewell, he passed young trainees from the Royal Cork Yacht Club learning to sail in their Optimists.

Family, friends, supporters and media as Pat prepares to leave

Flag bedecked and accompanied by family and friends, his Saga 36 Green Rebel headed out of Cork Harbour, the last time he will set eyes on Ireland until he finishes the Race, he says.

As he prepared to go, I spoke to him on the Crosshaven Boatyard Marine for Afloat:

Irish sailor Pat Lawless is departing from Crosshaven in Cork Harbour this morning on his mission to become the first Irish person to sail around the world non-stop as part of the Golden Globe Race.

Cork based company Green Rebel is the main sponsor for Pat Lawless’ entry to the race and representatives from the company joined Pat in Crosshaven today to wish him well. Over the last few weeks, Pat has been inviting supporters to sign his sail before he sets off. The race is expected to last around nine months.

The Golden Globe Race 2022 will begin on 4th September when 18 sailors depart Les Sables-d’Olonne and aim to sail solo, non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Les Sables-d’Olonne. Pat has named his boat - Green Rebel. Once he leaves Crosshaven he will head to Spain to take part in the prologue race before the main event. This is a 280-mile course that will lead the sailors from Gijón to the port of Sables d’Olonne for the start of the Golden Globe Race.

Pat said: “I cannot wait to get started and I want to thank everyone for their support so far. I am really looking forward to the race and making Ireland proud. Thank you to all my sponsors and to Green Rebel for their support. Myself and my boat, which is called Green Rebel, will be at the start line in France in September and we will be flying the flag for Ireland.”

CEO of Green Rebel, Kieran Ivers said: “We are so delighted to be supporting Pat as he sets out to make Irish history. Pat is brave and determined and we are all so proud of him at Green Rebel. We want to wish him the very best in the Golden Globe Race and he knows all of Ireland will be cheering him on as he takes on the challenge on Green Rebel.”

Over the course of the Golden Globe Race sailors will circumnavigate 30,000 nautical miles across some of the most dangerous seas in the world. The race is expected to take between seven and 11 months to complete. The competitors will not be permitted to use modern technology and can only use items that were available in 1968. Pat will navigate by the position of the sun using only a sextant and paper charts. Clocks must be mechanical, and there are no modern luxuries such as GPS, satellite phones, iPads, electrical auto steering and water makers. The competitors will carry all their own food, water, tools, and spare parts for the nine months at sea. 

Pat Lawless, a carpenter and former fisherman from Kerry will be the only Irish competitor in the yacht race. Pat is 66 years of age and has been sailing all his life. He is following in the footsteps of his late father (Pat Lawless Snr) who sailed around the world at the age of 70. Pat will also be raising money for Parkinson's Association of Ireland as part of the race. 

External communication with family friends or support groups will not be allowed for the duration of the race. This is the third time the Golden Globe Race has taken place and in previous years many competitors failed to complete the race.

Around 6,000 people have climbed Everest while 556 people have been to space, but only 100 people have ever sailed solo nonstop around the world via the five great capes.

The mast is everything to Pat Lawless.

So, before his yacht, Green Rebel, went back into the water this week on Valentia Island and he headed for Dingle in “a nice light breeze” on his final preparations to take part in this year’s Golden Globe solo non-stop race around the world, he had given it special attention.

Green Rebel goes back into the water at Valentia Island this week

“The five boats that sank in the last race all sank because they lost their masts. I’ve paid special attention to it and have given it extra protection.”

I talked to Pat at Crosshaven in Cork Harbour where the Boys’ National School Scoil Náisiúnta Chros tSeáin joined the Golden Globe Race Schools Programme this week to follow Pat as he “sets sail like it’s 1968, using the same type of equipment that existed then,” he told pupils.

Pat Lawless speaking to school children in Crosshaven

This week also, Foynes Yacht Club presented Pat with “a burgee to carry around the world as my father did.”

Pat Lawless at Foynes Yacht Club, which also made the top bid for a painting by Helen Stritch

Pat's final Irish port-of-departure will be from Crosshaven Boatyard on Tuesday morning next (July 26) heading for Gijon in Northern Spain, from where there will be a ‘prologue race’ to France on August 13. 

A nice breeze for Green Rebel

The Golden Globe Race itself starts on September 4, from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. where it will also finish.  

Green Rebel goose winging in downwind sailing mode

He is a determined man and told me his time as a fisherman has given him a lot of experience, which will be useful in the race in which he is fixing so much attention on the mast into which he has put extra supports.

However, he has decided not to do what other competitors in the race are doing - he won’t have a solid sprayhood. These are a few of the personal choices he has made.

He says that dealing with a gale on a yacht will be easier than working through a gale on the deck of a fishing boat!

Pat Lawless in Dingle, Co.Kerry, as he calls to coastal areas prior to his departure for the Golden Globe Race. With him at Dingle are Michael Flynn CEO, Philip Galvin and Alex Flynn of FLI Global,co-sponsors of his Golden Globe Race entry

So, racing his yacht, Green Rebel, named after the Crosshaven company, which is the main sponsor, is basic sailing - by the seat of your pants, I suggested:

You can hear his answer and more on the Podcast here.

Crosshaven Boys National School has lent its support to Golden Globe Race participant Pat Lawless as he attempts to become the first Irish person to sail around the world non-stop.

Cork-based Green Rebel is Pat’s main sponsor for the race.

Scoil Náisiúnta Chros tSeáin in Crosshaven has joined the Golden Globe Race (GGR) Schools Programme and will follow Pat as he prepares to set sail like it’s 1968, by only using the same or similar equipment and technology to that of the 1968/69 GGR winner, Robin Knox Johnston. A carpenter and former fisherman from Kerry, Pat Lawless will be the only Irish man to take on the challenge this year.

Pat Lawless and Heather Farrimond from Green Rebel pictured with the Fourth Class Boys of Crosshaven Boys National School

Each contestant in the race is required to pair up with a primary school of their choice from their homeland, and one from France within the vicinity of Les Sables-d’Olonne who will create a cross-cultural link through the fascination of round the world sailing. The GGR Schools Programme ties in with the students’ subjects of geography and history while popularising the vocabulary and practices of single-handed ocean racing. This allows the younger audience to become aware of the values of the race and their environmental surroundings.

Pat visited the school with Heather Farrimond from Green Rebel on the 22nd of June prior to the end of school term, to initiate the Golden Globe Race school mediation and pedagogical programme. Pat discussed the upcoming GGR, and spoke about his childhood dream of one day sailing the Atlantic and how he is preparing for the race in September. Many of the students had prepared some insightful questions to ask the Irish skipper.

Principal of Crosshaven Boys NS, Mr. Colm Lyons said, “It was a great opportunity for the 4th class students to meet Pat. He is a huge inspiration throughout the school and a great encouragement for them to keep up their activities outside of school. We are very proud here at Crosshaven NS to be selected as Pat’s chosen school for the race, and we look forward to following his journey as he attempts to sail around the world.”

As the only Irish competitor in this year's Golden Globe Race, Pat said, “It was great to talk to the students in Crosshaven. As many of them are avid sailors and have grown up around the sea, their support and encouragement means even more to me. Having the support from Crosshaven NS alongside Green Rebel, it will make my sail around the world that bit easier. 

The Golden Globe Race takes place every four years and this year, the race is to set sail from the port of Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, on September 4th. Pat’s journey on his boat named ‘Green Rebel’, can be followed online via the GGR website, and also tracked on the Green Rebel website, when the race begins.

North American entries are rushing across the Atlantic Ocean, while others are expected to make landfall this week in France and the United Kingdom in preparation for the Golden Globe Race.

As Afloat reported previously, Green Rebel will be the main sponsor for sailor Pat Lawless as he attempts to become the first Irish person to sail around the world non-stop as part of the race. This week the County Kerry solo sailor signed up a local national school as part of his campaign support.

27-year-old Elliott Smith left Boston USA on his Gale Force 34 on July 10th a month behind schedule. He will miss the entire Prologue, sailing direct to Les Sables d’Olonne instead. He must then undertake the compulsory eight-day World Sailing Survival Course and STCW Medical Care course prior to the start on Sept 4th. This looks unlikely, as he has the whole Atlantic to cross.

Canadian Gaurav Shinde had motored his Baba 35 from Toronto to New York, ready for his transatlantic crossing, but dislocated his shoulder while putting the mast up. Already running late, he is now using his two-week recovery time to do his STCW Medical Care course. Scheduled to depart July 20, he will not make the Gijón Prologue after his 3000-mile qualifier on an untested boat fresh out of refit. Will he make the start?

Guy deBoer, is currently mid-way in his transatlantic crossing heading to Gijón. Photo: Guy deBoer Team

In addition to the GGR compulsory survival and medical courses, there are mandatory safety briefings in both Gijón and Les Sables d’Olonne. Missing any of these will activate time and financial penalties which is highly likely.

To save time Finnish entrant Tapio Lehtinen “Captain Barnacle ” is shipping his yacht Asteria to Bilbao, Spain. During the 2018 GGR he was plagued by Barnacles that meant he was the last finisher after 322 days at sea. For 2022 he has new antifouling and is out to win! Meanwhile, New Zealander Graham Dalton, who recently retired from the GGR is now hoping to rejoin the event. This will not be considered until he completes his 2000 mile qualifying voyage and all other safety requirements before entering Gijón on 6th August.

Tapio Lehtinen chose to ship his yacht to Bilbao rather than sail her through the Baltic, Channel and Bay of Biscay

Making Landfall 

Canadian Edward Walentynowicz is completing his return crossing from Nova Scotia departing on June 20th on his Rustler 36 Noah’s Jest. He left Les Sables d’Olonne a year ago, sailing home to complete his refit and is expected back in Vendée this week.

South African Jeremy Bagshaw ends his 6000-mile journey from South Africa after a short stop in Horta to sort engine issues. He expects to make landfall in Falmouth this week, just in time to attend the rugby test match between Wales and South Africa!

Kirsten Neuschäfer, is well into her trip from Cape Town to Europe, started mid-May. Including her 7000 nm trip from Prince Edward’s Island to South Africa after refit, she now has sailed an impressive total of 13000 miles solo on Minnehaha. She is well prepared.

Kirsten Neuschäfer (South Africa) has sailed an impressive total of 13000 miles solo on « Minnehaha » already before the start of the GGR 2022. Photo @ Kirsten Neuschäfer Team

Elliott Smith’s Gale Force 34 “Second Wind” at Newburyport (USA) before setting sail across the Atlantic. Photo: Elliott Smith Team

Gijón is gearing up to welcome the sailors and their team managers, who will meet for the first time during the Prologue from 6 to 14 August for safety briefings and a final chance to relax in the Asturian port city.

The SITraN Challenge, a 280-mile course, will lead them from Gijón to the port of Sables d’Olonne, which will welcome the public in a bigger 7,000 m2 village from 20 August to 4 September, departure date of the 18 skippers around the world. The number of entrants is now 18 out of the original 30 paying entries, the same number as in the second edition four years ago.

The GGR is a race of attrition rather than performance, a journey to the finish that in many ways has already begun, and this year is no exception!

Golden Globe Race 2022 Entrants (to date)

Golden Globe Race 2022 Entrants

1. Abhilash Tomy (43) / India / Rustler 36
2. Aleix Selles Vidal (34) / Spain / Rustler 36
3. Arnaud Gaist (50) / France / BARBICAN 33 MKII (long keel version)
4. Damien Guillou (39) / France / Rustler 36
5. Edward Walentynowicz (68) / Canada / Rustler 36
6. Elliott Smith (27) / USA / Gale Force 34
7. Ertan Beskardes (60) / UK / Rustler 36
8. Gaurav Shinde (35) / Canada / Baba 35
9. Guy deBoer (66) / USA / Tashiba 36
10. Guy Waites (54) / UK / Tradewind 35
11. Ian Herbert Jones (52) / UK / Tradewind 35
12. Jeremy Bagshaw (59) / South Africa / OE32
13. Kirsten Neuschafer (39) / South Africa / Cape George 36
14. Mark Sinclair (63) / Australia / Lello 34
15. Michael Guggenberger (44) / Austria / Biscay 36
16. Pat Lawless (66) / Ireland / Saga 36
17. Simon Curwen (63) / UK / Biscay 36
18. Tapio Lehtinen (64) / Finland / Gaia 36 Masthead sloop 

Green Rebel will be the main sponsor for sailor Pat Lawless as he attempts to become the first Irish person to sail around the world non-stop as part of the Golden Globe Race.

Around 6,000 people have climbed Everest while 556 people have been to space, but only 100 people have ever sailed solo nonstop around the world via the five great capes.

The Golden Globe Race 2022 will begin on 4th September when 35 sailors depart Les Sables-d’Olonne and aim to sail solo, non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Les Sables-d’Olonne. The sponsorship agreement will see Pat’s boat named, Green Rebel.

“This race is all about survival and arrival and I believe I have a better chance of finishing this race than anyone” - Pat Lawless

Pat Lawless, a carpenter and former fisherman from Kerry will be the only Irish competitor in the yacht race. Pat is 66 years of age and has been sailing all his life. Pat is following in the footsteps of his late father (Pat Lawless Snr) who sailed around the world at the age of 70. Pat will also be raising money for the Parkinson's Association of Ireland as part of the race.

Pat Lawless's Saltram Saga 36 yacht for his solo non stop round the world voyage

Pat said: “This race is a part of sailing history and I cannot wait to get started. There have been 11 solo non-stop sailing races around the world. The first original Golden Globe Race was won by Sir Robert Knox-Johnson, an Englishman. All the other ten races were won by the French. We need to get Ireland on this list. I am delighted that Green Rebel has decided to join me as the main corporate sponsor for this race.”

“While I’m in it to win it, this race is all about survival and arrival and I believe I have the right boat and a better chance of finishing this race than most. I am delighted to have an ambitious, indigenous Irish company like Green Rebel behind me, and I hope I can make them proud.”

CEO of Green Rebel, Kieran Ivers said: “This is a fantastic moment for Ireland as Pat sets out on his adventures. Something like this takes bravery, skill and determination and we are thrilled that Green Rebel can support him as he sets off on the Golden Globe Race. Ireland has the opportunity to be a global leader in the offshore wind sector but it will take ambition and courage to make this happen, values that Pat has in abundance. We are excited to follow his journey as he seeks to do what no Irish person has before.”

Over the course of the Golden Globe Race sailors will circumnavigate 30,000 nautical miles across some of the most dangerous seas in the world. The race is expected to take between 7 and 11 months to complete. The competitors will not be permitted to use modern technology and can only use items that were available in 1968. Pat will navigate by the position of the sun using only a sextant and paper charts. Clocks must be mechanical, and there are no modern luxuries such as GPS, satellite phones, iPads, electrical auto-steering and water makers. The competitors will carry all their own food, water, tools, and spare parts for the nine months at sea.

External communication with family friends or support groups will not be allowed for the duration of the race. This is the third time the Golden Globe Race has taken place and in previous years many competitors failed to complete the race.

Golden Globe Race Veteran, Australian Oceanographer Mark Sinclair, (Captain Coconut) crossed the Les Sables d'Olonne start line of the 50th anniversary Golden Globe Race nearly four years ago on July 1st 2018. This Friday, 27th May, he will finally cross the finish line as last finisher in the 2018 GGR! In 2018, running out of water he had to break his voyage in Adelaide, South Australia after completing only half the Race.

The 2018 GGR has no finishing time, and Mark only made the one-stop, so was able to re-join under the “Chichester Class”. He set sail from Adelaide on December 5th 2021, solo non-stop bound for Les Sables d’Olonne, officially re-joining the GGR 2018 edition. He will have been at sea for 167 days. Four severe storms when rounding Cape Horn in February severely tested him and his boat. He damaged his forestay and equipment below but he survived. Just a week ago he was Knocked down twice in big seas damaging his inner forestay and his last satellite phone. He is making slow but steady progress toward Les Sables having secured the mast and is down to just one quarter roll of toilet paper.

Captain Coconut should cross the finish line on 27th May at 1430 hrs French time (1230hrs UTC) completing his Golden Globe Race 28,000-mile solo circumnavigation. He will enter the Les Sables d'Olonne River at 1500hrs and arrive at the Vendee Pontoon at 1530hrs. 

The Golden Globe 2022 Race starts from Les Sables d'Olonne on September 4th and there is one Irish entry as Afloat reported previously.

Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy was an entrant in the 50th Anniversary edition of the Golden Globe, a solo non-stop race around the world which started from Les Sables d’Olonne France on July 1st 2018. He was rescued after 83 days at sea following a complex international effort involving fellow contestant, Irishman Gregor McGuckin.

The winner of the first 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe was Englishman Sir Robin Knox Johnston sailing a 32ft timber yacht built in India named SUHAILI. He became the first person ever to solo circumnavigate the globe non-stop after 312 days. Abhilash was sailing an exact replica of Suhail, named “THURIYA” also built in India.

Abhilash, a Navy commander who had previously sailed solo non-stop around the world was running third in the race when an extreme storm deep in the Southern Indian Ocean rolled and dismasted his yacht, severely injuring his back and unable to move his legs. Trapped below, he sent a short text message to race control and turned his EPIRB on. Then all communication was lost.

Half way between Australia and South Africa, the disabled yacht was as far from rescue as anyone could be. Three and a half days later, a French Government fisheries patrol vessel OSIRIS arrived at the scene. In difficult conditions the crew were able to recover Abhilash in a stretcher. He was later transferred to an Indian Navy vessel sent to recover him and two days after arriving in India titanium rods were inserted in his spine and 5 vertebrae were fused into one.

Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy and Sir Robin Knox Johnston onboard "THURIYA", replica of Suhaili. Photo Credit: GGR2018

“My legs were so badly off that I had to learn to walk again”. Said Abhilash “But I did learn to walk, and then got into a cockpit and got back to Navy flying, and sailing! Now three and a half years later, I am heading back into the same race.”

Today at the Dubai Expo 2020, Abhilash announced his sponsor Bayanat and official entry in the 2022 Golden Globe Race. Bayanat, a G42 company specializing in AI-powered geospatial intelligence, confirmed its sponsorship. “Abhilash will sail in a UAE-registered sailboat aptly named ‘Bayanat’ which will race under the number 71, the year in which the UAE was formed,” their statement said.

The company said that during the race Abhilash would aid in ongoing scientific work, “including the collection of water samples which can be analysed for up to date insight on the presence of microplastics in the world’s oceans”.

In addition, a small section of the yacht will be painted with a special coating which will serve as a reflectance target for satellites, “representing a one-of-a-kind opportunity to collect calibrated data during the race”. This is in keeping with Bayanat’s business, which “provides comprehensive world-class geospatial AI solutions to a growing number of sectors such as defence, environment, energy and resources, smart cities and transportation.”

“WE are all very excited to see Abhilash back in the Golden Globe”. Said Don McIntyre GGR Founder. “He is such a powerful sailor with a huge smile. To see his beautiful yacht destroyed in the last edition was a real shock. He has a huge following around the world so his fans will be celebrating too and it’s clear he has some unfinished business!”

Abhilash Tomy (R) and Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat at Expo 2020 Dubai on Tuesday. Image Credit: Angel Tesorero/Gulf News

Abhilash has purchased a Rustler 36 in France, and named it "BAYANAT" previously raced in the last Golden Globe by Philippe Péché with PRB sponsorship. He has just five months to complete a full refit and sail a 2000 miles solo voyage to qualify for the GGR. He is the last entrant to join this incredible Human adventure that is unlike any other event in the world. This brings the total fleet to 23 sailors from 13 countries.

Abhilash has purchased a Rustler 36 in France, and named it "BAYANAT" previously raced in the last Golden Globe by Philippe Péché with PRB sponsorship. Photo Credit: GGR2018

South African Kirsten Neuschäfer, the only woman in the Golden Globe, recently completed her GGR refit in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, and is about to arrive home in Cape Town after an 8,000-mile solo non-stop sea trail, before heading 6,600 miles back to France.

Kirsten is a professional sailor, with over 200,000 miles of ocean experience, working with Skip Novak in remote, often hostile places in the Arctic and Antarctic. She chose the Cape George 36 design due to its long waterline, stability, seaworthiness, and generous rig. She discovered one in Canada. She had planned to bring the boat to Maine (U.S.) for refit, but Covid restrictions made that trip impossible. By chance, she found incredible support from the Prince Edward Island community, including local tradesman Eddie Arsenault, who managed the refit, rebuilding "Minnehaha” 100% for the gruelling race ahead.

"I came as an outsider to Prince Edward Island. From the moment I arrived, I've only been treated with such kindness and generosity." said Kirsten "People in the community have taken a genuine interest in this project."

With the one-year refit completed, she set sail towards South Africa in early December 2021, crossing the Equator just before the New Year, then rounding Trindade Island to port and sailing the GGR 2022 course towards her homeport of Cape Town. This 8,000-mile voyage brings immense knowledge of her boat and huge gratitude in her heart, for her new friends in Canada.

Kirsten will arrive in Cape Town in the next few days and stop for just a few weeks to say “HI!” to family, friends and to check on sponsors with her team. She then sets sail on another solo, non-stop, 6,500 miles voyage, to the start in Les Sables d'Olonne, France. Kirsten will be a sailor to watch! She is at one with the ocean, as was Jean Luc VDH, winner of the 2018 GGR.

Mark Sinclair

Australian Oceanographer Mark Sinclair is about to round Cape Horn sailing his Lello 34 "Coconut" halfway around the world, in order to finish his 2018 GGR. He set sail from Adelaide on December 5th 2021, bound for Les Sables d'Olonne, officially re-joining the GGR 2018 edition. Previously, he had to stop in Adelaide after completing only half the Race. The 2018 GGR had no finishing time, and Mark only made the one-stop, so can re-join under the “Chichester Class”. Mark has also entered the 2022 Golden Globe, so this return voyage adds a wealth of Southern Ocean experience and also brings him and his boat to the start of this third edition. He will be a strong contender to finish the 2022 edition.

Mark Sinclair sailing through Hobart Gate before heading for Cape Horn. Picture Credit: John Tisdell

 "I am first and foremost a mariner, so my number one objective is not to be rescued and get around under my own power." said Mark Sinclair "I will be more competitive in the next Golden Globe, having built huge experience and faith in my trusty little ‘Coconut’."

As Afloat reported earlier, Ireland's Pat Lawless will be on the start line this year with support from Killaloe Sailing Club on Lough Derg