With three months to go before the start of the Golden Globe Race (presentation of this totally atypical race here), the list of participants seems to be frozen. While at the opening of registrations, the 30 possible places were all taken by storm and some participants were even on the waiting list, it seems that participation in this race is not that simple. Today, with 90 days to go until the start, only 19 remain in the running for the start.
This departure is scheduled for 1 er july 2018 from Les Sables-d'Olonne. Previously the competitors will meet in Falmouth to celebrate the 50 e the anniversary of Sir Robin's departure. This celebration will take place from 11 to 14 June 2018. On this occasion, he will be at the helm of his famous Suhalli. We note the absence of Joshua who, despite the will of the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle, will not be able to be present in England. Indeed, this sailing ship, classified as a historical monument, is not allowed to leave the country... It will be Gipsy Moth from Chichester who will replace him on this occasion.
The fleet of competitors in the Golden Globe Race will then head south to Les Sables-d'Olonne, the town hosting the start and finish.
Among the 19 competitors, there is only one woman (Susie Godall) who is also the youngest at the start (28 years old). The competitors come from 12 different nationalities with a strong French presence (4 participants). It is a Frenchman, Jean-Luc Van den Heede who will be the oldest sailor to cross the start line (72 years old).
There are 10 different models to choose from, but the Rustler 36 was clearly the most popular with 7 models of this boat at the start. Jean-Luc Van den Heede, who chose this model, said before buying it, "I looked at the list of boats that are compatible with this race and it is the one that, according to its characteristics, has the highest speed potential." The race will tell us.
