What Is The “Golden Globe Race”
The original “Golden Globe Race” was started in 1968. The idea was as simple as it was incredible: To sail in a small boat alone and nonstop around the world. At the time, people thought it was more realistic to send a man to the moon than to complete such a voyage. Out of 9 starters, only one completed this epic voyage: Robin Knox-Johnston became the first man in history to sail alone and nonstop around the world.
Since 2018, for the 50th anniversary of the original challenge, the GGR has been revived – to sail solo, non-stop around the world via the five great capes with sailing boats and technology similar to those of 1968. No electronics, no satellite navigation. This voyage takes around nine months, alone at sea, and is the longest, loneliest sporting event in the world.
Pat Lawless, the Irish Seafarer
Pat, having already competed in the last edition of the GGR in 2022, has unfinished business to attend to. And to follow the original dream, as he says. Living in the most westerly village in Europe on the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, Pat spent more than 20 years as a full-time fisherman off the west coast of Ireland: “I have experienced some wild weather out there in my time”, he says.
Pat continues: “This Golden Globe Race is a fantastic challenge, and an unbelievable adventure. Unfortunately, I had to retire from the 2022 race when my self-steering failed 1200 nautical miles West of Cape Town. It would have been reckless to go on without it. After repairs, with a heavy heart I sailed my boat back home to Ireland. I now have a more driving desire than ever to try and win the GGR 2026. It’s my last chance to do it at 70 years old. I have to make it to the finish. This is my main goal. Three finished in the GGR 22 so if I finish, I have a chance to win!”
Pat will sail the race in the spirit of his father (also Pat) who, in 1996, at the age of 70 got back to Ireland after sailing solo around the world; also Edward Conor Marshall O’Brien, who in 1923 was the first skipper to take a small boat around the world via the three great southern capes. Two great Limerick sailors.
The Boat
Pat sails a Saltram Saga 36 named “Silvermines Hydro” who is the main sponsor of his current GGR project. A double-ender designed by Alan Pape, it is 10.90 metres long. Alan Pape designed her as a development, from the Colin Archer “Redningskoite” sailing lifeboat hull.
Pat is enthusiastic about his already proven boat: “She will come into her own in the Southern Ocean, able to hold on to working sail in strong winds, without heeling more than 20°, while in soft weather, she can sail so well. It is good that his boat has a quarter-berth, galley and heads aft, useful in bad weather as a wet area. I was happy with its performance in the GGR22, having remained in touch with the leaders right up to Cape Town. Even though it’s heavy displacement may make it slower than some of the other boats, its inherent strength will give it an advantage in the storms, particularly in the Southern Ocean. The experience I have gained from competing in the GGR22 will be a significant advantage.”
Pat Loves Rolly Tasker Sails
“The quality of Rolly Tasker Sails is second to none! But what I love about RTS is the help and support they gave me with their advanced technology and advice. When I originally entered the GGR, Rolly Tasker Sails stood out with great support and advice.”
The Sail Set-up for Extreme Ocean Sailing
Preparing his boat for the start of the race, Pat said: “I was so happy with the sails that Rolly Tasker supplied for the last GGR. We are allowed to carry nine sails in the race, so I had four Spinnakers but most likely will use three spinnakers instead in the GGR26 and bring an extra jib. I will be using some of the sails that were made for the GGR 2022.”
Pat had four new sails made specifically for the 2026 race, which he is especially excited about: “I feel certain that I will have the best sails in the race. Rolly Tasker have put a fantastic effort into the design once I explained what I was thinking. Better again, they improved my ideas! However, I can’t give too much away. Other skippers in the GGR26 will be watching!”
Re-Using Proven Sails
Pat will be using the four new sails that he regards as being fantastic. He will also have two spinnakers, storm jib, mainsail and a Yankee from last time: “I will most likely replace the Genoa with the Yankee in the Southern Ocean. Might also use old mainsail down there as the roach is smaller.”
The Benefit for All
Events like the Golden Globe Race put our constant sail development for tough ocean sailing into overdrive. The results will trickle down to all other cruising sails. Our commitment to superior quality and absolute dependability is put to the ultimate test in the GGR. The fact that Pat will have only four new sails made by us and will be using most of the Rolly Tasker Sails he had already used in his first attempt at the GGR speaks volumes for their durability and longevity!
More Information on Pat Lawless here.
