Day 11 of the McIntyre Golden Globe Race 2026 sees exciting developments as leaders Damien Guillou and Pat Lawless reach Lanzarote. The race commenced on 6 September from Les Sables-d’Olonne, and after eight days of varied sailing conditions, the fleet faces another wind challenge ahead.
Guillou, aboard his Rustler 36 SOLAREM, completed a masthead repair after arriving at Marina Rubicón for a brief film drop on 16 September. He is leading for the first time, having successfully anchored to fix equipment before resuming his course south. Lawless, sailing SILVERMINES HYDRO, arrived just seven hours later, surprised to find himself in second place, having expected other competitors to be ahead.
The race has showcased stark contrasts in sailing speeds, with Guillou reporting 162 nautical miles in one day while others struggled with lighter winds. The current weather forecasts suggest another potential windless trap around 20–21 September, threatening to split the fleet further.
Behind the leaders, the chasing fleet is starting to gain momentum as conditions improve. Italy’s Andrea Lodolo aboard BIBI is leading the pursuit, while Ertan Beskardes on MISS BEAGLE remains in contention. The leaders have cleared the first film gate, but with the wind conditions shifting, those trailing face the challenge of catching up.
Additionally, the race has seen a significant focus on self-reliance and problem-solving, with each sailor dealing with their own set of challenges. Guy deBoer, for instance, is utilising backup equipment after initial mechanical issues, while Louis Kerdelhué has also had to improvise due to a malfunctioning windvane.
The captivating dynamics of the race are further enhanced by the one-way live coverage provided to fans, allowing them to witness the sailors’ experiences while maintaining their isolation at sea. As the competition heats up, the question remains: which sailor will navigate the upcoming weather challenges successfully?
As both leaders push south, the rest of the fleet is gearing up for another phase of the race, with opportunities and challenges ahead. The journey is ongoing, and the excitement of the McIntyre Golden Globe Race is only just beginning.
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