In a world-first sailing challenge, 15 solo sailors from eight countries are navigating identical 5.8-meter (19-foot) self-built plywood yachts around the globe. The fleet has enjoyed a five week stopover in Fiji at the end of Leg 2 of the grueling 13-month, 24,000-nautical-mile McIntyre Mini Globe Race. The next 9700 mile leg 3 is expected to be the toughest and most dangerous with the sailors crossing over the top of Australia then down into the Southern Ocean to Cape Town, South Africa.
14 Yachts will depart Vuda Marina, Fiji on 26 July from 10.30 – 11am Local time.
One Australian Entry Mike Blenkinsop (#99 Delja99 ), AKA Popeye retired in Fiji.
Departing Fiji bound for Cape Town, South Africa, the first real challenge is transiting the Great Barrier Reef, to Thursday Island or Darwin, then across to Cocos Keeling, Rodrigues Island and Mauritius before making for Durban. From there things become serious. The sailors will have to use all their skills and experience heading into the Southern Ocean, facing the treacherous AGHULAS Current with regular low pressure systems and strong head winds passing from the west. It will not be easy and they all know it! ETA to Cape Town is early December 2025 just in time for a Xmas break with family and friends!. Those making it through leg 3 will breathe a sigh of relief. The restart from Cape Town is set for 28 December bound for the finish at the National Sailing Academy Antigua in March 2026
This Historic McIntyre Mini Globe Race five week stopover hosted by Vuda Marina Fiji has been a huge success for all sailors and their teams. They have enjoyed the traditional friendly Fiji experience after 12,000 Nautical Miles sailing from Portugal in December. last year. The excellent facilities in Vuda Marina made servicing and repairs a pleasure with everything needed on hand and the welcoming staff created a holiday atmosphere. In a word! They LOVE VUDA and FIJI!
Competitors are racing in tiny, home built identical plywood ALMA Globe 580 boats—many built in garages and backyards across 37 countries.
This marks Fiji’s first-ever visit by an around-the-world yacht race, hosted by Vuda Marina. It’s on again in 2029.
Adam Wade, General Manager & Chief Executive Officer, Vuda Marina Fiji: “This is an extraordinary adventure in unique little boats that amaze everyone who sees them. Our whole team has enjoyed getting to know and support these sailors and share some Fiji culture. These skilled solo sailors are an inspiration, and we’re proud to partner with this growing international event!”
Don McIntyre, Race Organizer: “Two things are certain as we head toward the start of the McIntyre MGR on Saturday 26th. First…All the entrants will miss Vida Marina Fiji and second… they all know this leg 3 is the big one. It has an unknown outcome, the true definition of adventure. Building their boats, making the start six months ago and sailing the Pacific has been a real challenge. They each live their personal dream every day. But now it gets serious. They now look at life differently. There is no turning back. This is why they are here.”
The McIntyre MGR is one of three unique around the world events organised by Australian adventurer Don McIntyre and Ocean Frontiers Pty Ltd. Others include the solo 2018 and 2022 www.GoldenGlobeRace.com from Les Sables d’Olonne France and the 2023 crewed www.OceanGlobeRace.com celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the first Whitbread fully crewed race.
The McIntyre Mini Globe Race is a world first event and has never been attempted by Mini Ocean racers. The course around the world celebrates the 75th Anniversary and follows in the footsteps of John Guzzwell, who in 1955 set off in his home built 20ft timber yacht TREKKA to become the first ever “Mini Yacht” to sail around the world.
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