A whole host of race revivals
The Golden Globe Race set the pace by creating a single-handed round-the-world race with draconian rules. To celebrate the anniversary of the Golden Globe Challenge, the mother of all round-the-world races and a challenge that gave birth to the legend of great sailors, from Francis Chichester to Bernard Moitessier, Don Mc Intyre has brought the concept of a "vintage" race to the forefront. Raced on vintage boats, they limit the use of communication means or electronics.
After the solo race, it is the crewed Whitbread that will relive its genesis in 2023 with the Ocean Globe Race, which will start from Southampton. On the starting line, some of the boats that raced in the historic editions will be lining up after some fine restorations.
Ode to simplicity
One could see in these races a simple attraction for the "vintage" as in the fashion or other sectors. But that would be a mistake. This movement, which appeals to sailors of all generations, some of whom have tasted ocean racing at a high level, is deeper than that. By taking 8 months to circumnavigate the globe, the competitors in the Golden Globe Race are praising slowness and simplicity. With boats to which they offer a second, third or fourth life, the GGR and OGR sailors show that competition and re-use can go hand in hand and limit the ecological impact of an ocean race.
Some will criticize a retrograde vision preventing innovation. At a time when all modern ocean racing classes are questioning their environmental acceptability, they will surely find ideas in the "vintage" race notices. A moral that could be summarized as:" What is simple is beautiful... But also physical ! "Bravo to the sailors.
