Golden Globe Race 2018
- July 12, 2018
The 2018 Golden Globe Race marks the 50th anniversary of the ‘68/’69 Times Golden Globe Race, and is a tribute to Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the winner (and only finisher) of that first nonstop circumnavigation of the globe. Relying on sextants, paper charts and guesstimating the weather, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston took 312 days to return home to Falmouth, UK.
The 2018 Golden Globe Race goes to great lengths to stay true to the spirit of that original race. Yachts are robust pre 1988 affairs with full length keels and overall lengths from 32ft - 36ft. Communication with the outside world is available only when the long-range radios allow for it - for most of the 300 or so days at sea, skippers will sail alone and unassisted.
According to the regulations, absolutely no post 1968 equipment can be used during the race, including mobile phones, computers, digital cameras, and of course no newfangled yarns made out of kevlar or carbon fibre. Want to take a picture? Put some film in your analogue camera. Want to write on paper? A pen or a typewriter are your only two choices. Ripped sail? Break out the waxed twine and sail needles.
The objective of this race isn’t so much to win, but rather to take part in the experience of retro sailing through the five great capes of the world. The race has attracted a fearless group of skippers ranging from 73 year old and five-time circumnavigator Jean-Luc van den Heede to 28 year old Susie Goodall, two time transatlantic crosser and yacht builder.
What is YB Tracking doing in a retro yacht race? Safety regulations, emergency communication and tracking updates are unavoidable nowadays. Even the most vintage of events needs some modern peace of mind. The good news, is that you can keep track of the race as it unfolds, by visiting our sleek, modern and wholly computerised YB Race Viewer.
We wish everyone in the Golden Globe Race safe travels - YB Tracking is with them every step of the way!
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All photos © GGR 2018
