American solo sailor Guy deBoer has been airlifted from his yacht SPIRIT in the South Atlantic after a long-range rescue operation by the Brazilian Navy, ending several days of mounting concern over the injured offshore sailing competitor in the McIntyre Golden Globe Race.
The rescue took place on Sunday, 8 November, approximately 870 nautical miles east of Rio de Janeiro, after deBoer requested urgent medical evacuation on Saturday following a deterioration in his condition.
The Brazilian Navy corvette Barroso (V34) deployed a Super Lynx helicopter with flight crew and two Navy divers to reach the yacht. At 11.38 UTC, Golden Globe Race organisers received confirmation that deBoer was safely aboard the helicopter.
Overnight Concerns for Injured Skipper
The operation followed an anxious night during which Golden Globe Race Control maintained contact with Brazil's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC Brazil), the Navy doctor and the crew of Barroso.
Organisers had been unable to establish contact with deBoer overnight. His yacht appeared to be following changes in wind direction under windvane self-steering, initially turning north before heading east at approximately 04.00 UTC.
Spirit of adventure: Guy deBoer's Tashiba 36 SPIRIT under sail before the 2026 Golden Globe Race. The yacht was left drifting in the South Atlantic following his successful evacuation by the Brazilian Navy. Photo: GGR 2026
At one stage, SPIRIT was sailing at 5.7 knots away from Rio de Janeiro, raising concerns that her skipper might have been asleep or incapacitated.
However, at 07.00 UTC, deBoer contacted race control. Although sounding groggy and occasionally incoherent, he confirmed that he had received satellite telephone messages and understood that a helicopter was approaching.
He subsequently lowered all sails and allowed SPIRIT to drift in preparation for evacuation. Winds at the scene were approximately 20–25 knots, with seas of 1.5–2 metres.
Helicopter Rescue Completed
The yacht's eastward movement had increased the distance separating her from Barroso, delaying the planned helicopter operation.
The aircraft eventually launched at approximately 10.10 UTC, carrying its flight crew and two Navy divers. The outward journey took approximately 50 minutes. The rescue plan involved lowering the divers into the water to board SPIRIT and assist deBoer with his evacuation by helicopter winch.
Rescue mission: Brazilian Navy corvette Barroso (V34), which deployed a helicopter to evacuate injured Golden Globe Race skipper Guy deBoer approximately 870 nautical miles east of Rio de Janeiro. File photo: Brazilian Navy
The skipper was instructed to lower his boarding ladder and prepare for the rescue team's arrival. His emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) was also activated, while the yacht's satellite tracker provided position updates every 15 minutes.
At 11.38 UTC, organisers were informed that deBoer was aboard the helicopter. SPIRIT, a Tashiba 36, was left at sea following the evacuation.
Head Injury Led to Emergency
The emergency began after deBoer fell inside his yacht's cabin on 2 November, striking his head, losing consciousness and sustaining other injuries. He reported the accident to organisers the following day and was referred to MSOS medical assistance.
Dr Spike Briggs advised against continuing the race and recommended that he seek medical attention ashore. Although deBoer initially reported some improvement, subsequent balance problems prompted a decision to divert towards Rio de Janeiro.
Shortly after 16.00 UTC on 7 November, he requested immediate evacuation, reporting that he could no longer use his left arm, stand or maintain his balance, and was unable to eat.
Race organisers immediately contacted MRCC Brazil, providing his position, medical information and relevant safety documentation.
Organisers Thank Brazilian Navy
Golden Globe Race founder Don McIntyre welcomed news of the successful evacuation.
“Everyone in the Golden Globe Race is relieved that Guy has now been recovered. We sincerely thank MRCC Brazil and the men and women of the Brazilian Navy for the professionalism, speed and efficiency of their response,” he said.
“Their prompt and successful action by so many has brought great comfort to Guy’s family and friends, and followers of the Golden Globe Race who join us in expressing their deep gratitude.”
Medical personnel were aboard Barroso, but organisers were still awaiting an initial report on deBoer's condition when they issued the rescue announcement.
The corvette's onward destination had not been confirmed, although Rio de Janeiro had been considered a possible destination.
Further information on deBoer's medical condition is expected from race organisers.
