Norwegian sailor Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth has retired from the 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe Race after receiving two disqualification penalties, both of which race organisers later suspended.
Kveseth, sailing Showgirl in fifth place, announced her withdrawal on 7 November following an investigation into alleged breaches of the race's communications and media regulations involving her shore-based management team.
According to Golden Globe Race (GGR) organisers, the investigation identified multiple breaches of the Notice of Race, the GGR WINDOW LIVE Code of Conduct and restrictions governing Starlink satellite communications.
The findings included the unauthorised uploading and publication of 865 restricted onboard camera files, repeated breaches of permitted media publication limits and the alleged use of Starlink to transmit footage and prohibited logistical communications to her shore team.
Organisers said two breaches warranted disqualification. However, both penalties were suspended, allowing Kveseth to remain in the competition and complete her solo circumnavigation, provided she broke no further rules.
Additional sanctions included permanent removal from GGR WINDOW LIVE and reinstatement of a previously suspended six-day penalty for unauthorised telephone calls, bringing her accumulated time penalties to 16 days.
Kveseth and her management team were given 24 hours on 6 November to respond to the proposed findings and penalties. Instead, she announced her retirement the following day.
The GGR said it regretted her departure, describing Kveseth as a competent sailor with a well-prepared yacht, while maintaining that it must apply its rules consistently to all competitors. The organisers' account is contained in their published disciplinary report. The allegations and findings reported here are those of the race organisers; the supplied release did not include Kveseth's response.
Six Retirements Leave Ten Sailors Racing
Kveseth's withdrawal comes during another difficult period for the solo round-the-world race, with Italian sailor Andrea Lodolo also retiring following a knee fracture and American Guy deBoer evacuated from his yacht after suffering injuries at sea.
Six of the original 16 entrants have now retired, leaving ten sailors continuing towards Les Sables-d'Olonne, with approximately 19,000 miles of the course still to sail.
Andrea Lodolo Sails Towards Cape Town With Fractured Knee
Lodolo, who had been holding third place aboard BiBi, fractured his knee after falling through the companionway into the cabin. He is now sailing towards Cape Town under the supervision of Medical Support Offshore, the race's round-the-clock telemedicine service.
Knee Deep: Italian sailor Andrea Lodolo is sailing his yacht BiBi towards Cape Town with a fractured knee after retiring from the 2026 Golden Globe Race. He remains under medical supervision, with his arrival expected in five to six days. Photo: GGR 2026
He has been taking pain relief, limiting movement and sleeping on the cabin sole because reaching his berth is too difficult. Race organisers say he remains capable of making Cape Town without evacuation, with arrival estimated in five to six days as of 9 November. Members of the Royal Cape Yacht Club are preparing to assist him.
Guy deBoer Stable Following Brazilian Navy Rescue
American sailor Guy deBoer was evacuated from Spirit by a Brazilian Navy helicopter on 8 November following injuries sustained in a fall aboard. According to the GGR, he is stable under medical care aboard the Brazilian Navy corvette Barroso, which is heading for Rio de Janeiro with an estimated arrival on 11 November.
Rescue Mission: American sailor Guy deBoer's Spirit remains adrift in the South Atlantic following his evacuation by Brazilian Navy helicopter on 8 November. The injured skipper is reported stable aboard the corvette Barroso, bound for Rio de Janeiro. Photo: GGR 2026
His yacht remains adrift in the South Atlantic.
Damien Guillou Leads Into Indian Ocean
Meanwhile, race leader Damien Guillou aboard Solarem is progressing into the Indian Ocean after a series of storms and weather fronts gave way to calmer conditions. Organisers provisionally estimate his arrival at the Hobart film drop around 17 December.
Ertan Beskardes, aboard Miss Beagle, holds second place and is benefiting from the Agulhas Current. Swiss sailor Etienne Messikommer has climbed into third aboard Bernard, with Henry Wootton pursuing him.
The race continues east with ten sailors remaining from the original 16 starters.
