Storm tests fleet

A severe South Atlantic storm was forecast to test the 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe Race fleet as equipment failures, fatigue and unpredictable weather reshaped the solo round-the-world contest.

Photography by Golden Globe Race

28 October 2026

In its 23 October update, McIntyre Golden Globe Race organisers warned of winds around 50 knots, gusting to 70 knots, from Sunday 25 October. Race leader Damien Guillou, aboard Solarem, was working northeast to reduce his exposure to the system’s most severe sector.

The forecast included a rapid wind shift from northwest to southwest as the front passed. Entrants in the middle and northern sections of the fleet had been advised to remain north of 28°S by 24 October, while Guillou was advised to climb north of 38°S.

Guillou’s lead had narrowed from approximately 750 nautical miles to around 450 nautical miles after the South Atlantic High forced him farther south into easterly headwinds.

Race leader Damien Guillou aboard SOLAREM, battling challenging conditions in the South Atlantic. With a major storm forecast from 25 October, Damien is now working northeast to reduce his exposure to the most severe conditions. GGR Window LIVE image captured on 19 October 2026. Credit: GGR2026 FR: Damien Guillou, leader de la course à bord de SOLAREM, affronte des conditions difficiles dans l'Atlantique Sud. Alors qu'une violente tempête est annoncée à partir du 25 octobre, il fait désormais route vers le nord-est afin de limiter son exposition aux conditions les plus extrêmes. Image GGR Window LIVE du 19 octobre 2026. Crédit: GGR2026

Pär Nyman on deck aboard LAZY OTTER in the darkness of the South Atlantic. Captured by the GGR Window LIVE night-vision camera on 20 October 2026, the scene offers a glimpse of the demanding reality of solo ocean racing as the fleet prepares for an approaching severe storm. Credit: GGR2026 FR: Pär Nyman sur le pont de LAZY OTTER, en pleine nuit dans l'Atlantique Sud. Captée par la caméra à vision nocturne de GGR Window LIVE le 20 octobre 2026, cette image illustre les exigences de la navigation océanique en solitaire, alors que la flotte se prépare à l'arrivée d'une violente tempête. Crédit : GGR2026

Earlier, he had endured winds gusting to 40 knots and seas of 4 to 5 metres before near-calms left Solarem rolling in confused seas.

A main-halyard failure near Trindade had also cost him approximately five hours. He replaced the halyard and added an external backup ahead of the Southern Ocean passage.

Irish sailor Pat Lawless retired aboard Silvermines Hydro after a Solent stay failure was compounded by problems with the tiller-to-rudder-head connection. Although his main rig remained secure, Lawless judged another four months of Southern Ocean sailing unrealistic and turned north, considering the Cape Verde Islands or Canary Islands as possible destinations.

His departure moved Ertan Beskardes aboard Miss Beagle into second place, with Andrea Lodolo aboard Bibi third.

Further north, Louis Kerdelhué aboard IE Charge was heading towards Recife for rest and repairs after reporting contamination in his main water tank and a faulty genoa furler.

Organisers said Kerdelhué could take a refuge mooring and retain his main race classification if he remained isolated, accepted no outside assistance and allowed nobody aboard. Entering a marina or accepting assistance would move him into Chichester Class.

Pat Lawless's SILVERMINES HYDRO, with the yellow arrow indicating the stern steering-gear area. A Solent stay failure, compounded by problems with the tiller-to-rudder-head connection, brought his 2026 Golden Globe Race challenge to an end. Pat has retired and is heading north towards the Cape Verde Islands. Credit: GGR2026 FR: SILVERMINES HYDRO, le voilier de Pat Lawless. La flèche jaune indique la zone du système de barre à l'arrière du bateau. La rupture de l'étai de Solent, aggravée par des problèmes au niveau de la liaison entre la barre franche et la tête de safran, a mis fin à sa participation au Golden Globe Race 2026. Pat a abandonné la course et fait désormais route vers le nord, en direction des îles du Cap-Vert. Crédit: GGR2026

Ertan Beskardes aboard MISS BEAGLE in the South Atlantic. Now holding second place in the 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe Race, Ertan faces a new challenge as a severe storm approaches the fleet. Captured by GGR Window LIVE on 13 October 2026. Photo credit: GGR2026 FR: Ertan Beskardes à bord de MISS BEAGLE dans l'Atlantique Sud. Désormais deuxième du McIntyre Golden Globe Race 2026, il s'apprête à relever un nouveau défi alors qu'une violente tempête menace la flotte. Image captée par GGR Window LIVE le 13 octobre 2026. Crédit : GGR2026

Etienne Messikommer sailing BERNARD across the South Atlantic. After weeks of frustrating calms and unpredictable winds, the fleet now faces the threat of a powerful storm. GGR Window LIVE image captured on 15 October 2026. Credit: GGR2026 FR: Etienne Messikommer navigue à bord de BERNARD dans l'Atlantique Sud. Après plusieurs semaines marquées par des calmes frustrants et des vents imprévisibles, la flotte doit désormais faire face à la menace d'une puissante tempête. Image GGR Window LIVE du 15 octobre 2026. Crédit : GGR2026

Pär Nyman aboard LAZY OTTER during his solo circumnavigation. Despite reporting two broken ribs, repeated mast climbs and radio problems, he continues his Golden Globe Race adventure as the fleet prepares for the challenging Southern Ocean. GGR Window LIVE, 19 October 2026. Credit: GGR2026 FR: Pär Nyman à bord de LAZY OTTER pendant son tour du monde en solitaire. Malgré deux côtes cassées, plusieurs ascensions au mât et des problèmes de radio, il poursuit son aventure dans le Golden Globe Race alors que la flotte se prépare aux défis de l'océan Austral. GGR Window LIVE, 19 octobre 2026. Crédit : GGR2026

Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth aboard Showgirl continued with a 10-day penalty for six unauthorised satellite telephone calls, reduced from an initial 16 days. The penalty is to be served in the North Atlantic on her return towards Les Sables-d’Olonne.

At the time of the update, 13 of the original 16 starters remained in the main race classification. Two had retired, while Guy deBoer aboard Spirit continued in Chichester Class following a repair stop in the Canary Islands.

goldengloberace.com

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