Golden Globe Race 2026: fleet prepares for South Atlantic storm as Pat Lawless retires

The 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe Race faces a severe South Atlantic storm as Pat Lawless’s retirement reshapes the contest near the front. In its 23 October bulletin, race management warned of a frontal system expected to affect the fleet from Sunday 25 October as the sailors approach the Southern Ocean.

Cover: Damien Guillou aboard SOLAREM, captured by GGR Window LIVE on 19 October 2026. © GGR2026.

A forecast that changes the route

The 23 October outlook indicated winds around 50 knots, with possible gusts of 70 knots and a rapid shift from northwest to southwest as the front passed. These were forecasts, already slightly lower than the previous day’s figures, and race management continued updating them. Its routing advice aimed to keep sailors away from the system’s most intense sector.

Race leader Damien Guillou, aboard SOLAREM, had begun working northeast to gain latitude. His lead then stood at approximately 450 nautical miles, down from around 750. Calms, headwinds and the position of the South Atlantic High had narrowed the gaps.

Since leaving Les Sables-d’Olonne on 6 September, Guillou had sailed around 6,500 nautical miles. Near Trindade, a main-halyard failure cost him about five hours. He replaced it and added an external backup halyard because the chafe point could not be fully repaired at sea.

Pat Lawless ends his challenge

Irish skipper Pat Lawless retired after two failures aboard SILVERMINES HYDRO. His Solent stay failed at deck level, although the main rig remained secure. Two riveted fastenings subsequently failed in the connection between the tiller and rudder head, and he lacked suitable bolts for a reliable repair.

Facing several more months in the Southern Ocean, Lawless judged continuing unrealistic. He turned north, with Cape Verde or the Canary Islands among his possible destinations. Race management sets out the circumstances in its announcement of Pat Lawless’s retirement.

Beskardes and Lodolo lead the chase

The bulletin placed Ertan Beskardes, aboard MISS BEAGLE, second, followed by Andrea Lodolo on BIBI. Lodolo had climbed the mast after losing a main halyard. Daniel Pinsky, aboard EXODUS, was about 300 nautical miles behind the Italian and reported fatigue as his main difficulty.

Equipment failures and physical strain are also affecting the rest of the fleet. Pär Nyman, aboard LAZY OTTER, reported two broken ribs, repeated mast climbs and a failed radio. Guido Cantini remained without HF radio, while Etienne Messikommer had regained his motivation after the doldrums only to become becalmed again.

Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth, aboard SHOWGIRL, continues with a ten-day penalty for six unauthorised satellite-phone calls. Reduced from sixteen days, it must be served in the North Atlantic on the return to Les Sables-d’Olonne, according to race management.

Recife and the 24 October update

Louis Kerdelhué, aboard IE CHARGE, had headed for Recife after problems with his main water tank and genoa furler. The release allowed him to seek a refuge mooring while retaining his place in the main classification, provided he remained isolated and accepted no assistance. Entering the marina or receiving help would mean moving to Chichester Class.

The official 24 October report confirms his unaided arrival and that he remains aboard, undecided. It also describes a somewhat less severe, but still demanding, weather outlook for Guillou.

The 23 October bulletin counted thirteen sailors in the main classification from sixteen starters. Guy deBoer continued in Chichester Class after stopping in the Canary Islands, while Lawless and Selim Yalçın had retired.

Follow the fleet’s progress on the Golden Globe Race live tracker. For more information and the latest updates, visit the official race website.