Organizers Golden Globe Race 2018 announced that the anniversary round-the-world race would not start in Great Britain, as previously planned, but in the French port of Les Sables d'Olonne, which is known for being the start and end point of another single round-the-world Vendée Globe..
Not the least of which was Brexit (Britain's exit from the European Union). It is not easy to attract sponsors and raise £4m in that kind of political uncertainty. Nevertheless the race will be held under the auspices of the Royal Yacht Club Nukuma.
During a press conference in Le Sable d'Olonne, Mayor Yannick Moreau said:
«Le Sables d'Olonne, Vendée Globe's home port, is delighted to welcome the Golden Globe Race, the progenitor of all single round-the-world regattas, the cleanest of all yacht races in the world, as it puts man, not machine, at the heart of this maritime adventure. The Golden Globe Race 2018 could not have chosen a better port in Europe to stage the start and finale of this legendary race that has attracted so many yachtsmen and adventurers from around the world».
On 1 July 2018, thirty skippers from 14 countries will venture alone to sail around the globe without the help of modern technology. Among them will be the three youngest contenders, 27-year-old Roy Hubbard (USA), Neri Cornuz (Italy/Switzerland) and Susie Goodall (UK), who is also one of two women competing in the race. And the oldest competitor will be 72-year-old Frenchman Jean-Luc van den Heede.
Russia will be represented in the race by a 66-year-old yachtsman Igor ZaretskyHe is determined to repeat the exploit of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the winner of the first-ever solo round-the-world race.
As a reminder, the 50th anniversary Golden Globe Race is scheduled to be held on the same conditions that Knox-Johnston finished in 1969: boats between 32 and 36 feet long, built before 1988 and not equipped with any modern electronics.
Two weeks before the start of the event, the GGR SITraN Challenge Charity Regatta, featuring Sir Robin and his legendary yacht, will start from Falmouth in Les Sables d'Olonne. Suhaili. The race will be preceded by a spectacular sailing parade. The arrival of the fleet to its destination will mark the official opening of the Golden Globe Race 2018.
