Irish-American sailor Colm Walker has withdrawn from the 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe Race, ending a second strand of Irish interest in the solo non-stop round-the-world race ahead of its start from Les Sables-d’Olonne on 6 September.
Walker reached the French Atlantic port on 17 August aboard his Tayana 37 Mo Chuisle — Irish for “My Pulse” — following an approximately 8,000-nautical-mile voyage from the west coast of the United States, through the Panama Canal and across the Atlantic.
His arrival had provided an additional Irish connection to a race which already includes Irish skipper Pat Lawless.
However, after reaching Les Sables-d’Olonne, Walker assessed what race organisers describe as a growing list of problems aboard Mo Chuisle.
These included numerous deck leaks and substantially more repair work than could reasonably be completed before the fleet's 6 September departure.
Walker has consequently withdrawn from this year's race and intends instead to prepare for the 2030 Golden Globe Race.
His yacht will remain at the Golden Globe Race marina at Les Sables-d’Olonne and will be on display alongside the competing fleet during the pre-start programme.
Lawless Carries Irish Interest
Walker's withdrawal leaves Pat Lawless carrying the direct Irish interest when the fleet sets out on its 28,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation.
Sixteen remaining skippers are due to be officially welcomed at Port Olona on Saturday (22 August), with the marina open to the public as competitors make their final preparations.
The Golden Globe Race is sailed solo, non-stop and without outside assistance in approved traditional long-keel production yachts. Competitors navigate using sextants and paper charts and are restricted to technology broadly available during the original 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race.
The fleet's Parade of Sail begins at 2pm on Sunday, 6 September, before the yachts leave the Vendée Globe Marina and head for Cape Horn on their round-the-world course.
