A severe South Atlantic storm forecast to bring winds of around 50 knots and gusts reaching 70 knots from Sunday, 25 October, is threatening the 2026 Golden Globe Race fleet as the solo sailors approach the Southern Ocean.
Race leader Damien Guillou, sailing the Rustler 36 Solarem, is working northeast to avoid the worst of the developing system, which has prompted race organisers to issue weather guidance to competitors across the fleet.
Forecasts on Thursday indicated a powerful frontal system extending almost 2,300 nautical miles across the South Atlantic, with sustained winds of 50–60 knots and potentially 90-knot gusts in its most severe sector.
By Friday, 23 October, the outlook had moderated, but organisers warned that the storm remained a major threat, with winds around 50 knots, gusts potentially reaching 70 knots and a rapid wind shift from northwest to southwest as the front passes.
Competitors in the middle and northern sections of the fleet have been advised to remain north of 28 degrees south by 24 October to reduce their exposure.
Guillou, who leads by approximately 450 nautical miles, had been heading towards the storm's most extreme sector. He has been advised to alter course northeast and move north of 38 degrees south, where conditions are expected to be less severe.
Even on this more northerly track, the French skipper could encounter 50-knot winds and stronger gusts, although the sea state may be less dangerous than farther south.
The approaching storm comes after almost seven weeks of racing since the fleet departed Les Sables-d'Olonne on 6 September. Guillou has covered approximately 6,500 nautical miles and has reached the Roaring Forties, while the chasing skippers remain farther north.
His advantage has already narrowed considerably, falling from approximately 750 nautical miles to 450 as the South Atlantic High disrupted the leading boats' progress and allowed their pursuers to make gains.
Earlier in the passage, Guillou encountered 30-knot winds, gusting to 40 knots, and seas of four to five metres before becoming trapped in near-calm conditions. He has also dealt with a main halyard failure near Trindade, subsequently fitting an additional external halyard to provide redundancy ahead of the Southern Ocean.
Beskardes Moves Into Second Place
Following Irish skipper Pat Lawless's retirement aboard Silvermines Hydro, British sailor Ertan Beskardes on Miss Beagle has moved into second place, with Italy's Andrea Lodolo aboard Bibi in third.
Beskardes has been providing extended live broadcasts from Miss Beagle, showing followers his navigation, daily routines and life aboard during the Atlantic passage.
Lodolo has meanwhile completed a mast climb following the loss of a main halyard, while Daniel Pinsky aboard Exodus, approximately 300 nautical miles farther astern, reports continuing fatigue but no major problems with his yacht.
Repairs and Fatigue Across the Fleet
The demanding conditions are also taking their toll farther down the fleet. Pär Nyman aboard Lazy Otter has reported two broken ribs, repeated mast climbs and radio failure, while Guido Cantini aboard Hannah of Cowes remains without HF radio.
Henry Wootton on Privateer has reported minor rig damage, and Isa Rosli aboard Olleanna is dealing with light winds and barnacle growth as he negotiates the Trindade turning mark.
Swiss sailor Etienne Messikommer aboard Bernard has also endured prolonged calms after earlier considering abandoning his race in the doldrums.
Norwegian competitor Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth aboard Showgirl faces a 10-day penalty, reduced from 16 days, following six unauthorised satellite telephone calls. The penalty is to be served during the return passage through the North Atlantic.
Recife Stop for Youngest Competitor
Louis Kerdelhué, the youngest skipper in the fleet, is heading towards Recife in Brazil aboard IE Charge, with an estimated arrival of 09:00 on Saturday, 24 October.
After spending more than 10 days struggling through the doldrums, he is now dealing with a reportedly contaminated main water tank and a faulty genoa furler.
Race organisers have agreed that he may use a refuge mooring without leaving the main Golden Globe Race classification, provided he remains isolated and receives no outside assistance. Entering a marina or accepting assistance would transfer him into the event's Chichester Class. His decision on whether to continue remains outstanding.
Of the original 16 starters, 13 remain in the main Golden Globe Race classification, with Guy deBoer continuing separately in Chichester Class.
The fleet still faces the Cape of Good Hope and approximately four months of Southern Ocean sailing. For now, the immediate concern is the approaching South Atlantic storm, with organisers continuing to monitor forecasts and advise skippers as the system develops.
More coverage: Afloat's Golden Globe Race news hub.
