Five-metre seas, gusts up to 55 knots, and sudden wind shifts threaten solo sailors near Cabo Verde. The tropical low influencing the McIntyre Golden Globe Race fleet has developed into Tropical Storm Gonzalo, creating a challenging environment for the competitors. Race control has reported that four skippers are already experiencing winds of 30-35 knots, with the most exposed boats potentially facing waves of five metres.
The National Hurricane Center’s advisory confirmed Gonzalo is moving north-northwest at seven knots, with maximum sustained winds of 40 knots, expected to strengthen to 45 knots with gusts up to 55 knots. The conditions at each boat will depend on their position relative to the storm’s track.
Among those considered most at risk are Louis Kerdelhué aboard the Biscay 36 ketch IE Charge, Gunnar Christensen sailing the Hans Christian 34 cutter Pompoen, and Matt Woodside in the Cape George 36 Tipi Haere. The race team warns of strong southerly winds swinging rapidly through east towards north, resulting in a confused sea with waves arriving from competing directions. This creates a particularly exhausting situation for solo sailors managing sails and self-steering under fatigue.
Farther west, Henry Wootton aboard the Cape George 36 cutter Privateer and Helga Marie (Mara) Løvenskiold Kveseth sailing the Saltram Saga 36 Showgirl may avoid the worst if they can maintain their progress through Friday. Meanwhile, Guido Cantini aboard the Vancouver 34 Classic Hannah of Cowes is approaching the Cabo Verde islands and could face challenging conditions as he rounds the northwest tip.
Isa Rosli aboard the OE 32 Olleanna is taking a more southerly course, contrary to race control’s weather warnings. He is expected to encounter strong westerly winds but may clear the storm’s centre. Pär Nyman, sailing the Rustler 36 Lazy Otter, is forecasted to miss the worst, as arriving later could offer an advantage.
At Marina Rubicón, Guy deBoer remains alongside with his Tashiba 36 Spirit, awaiting a critical surveyor’s report for necessary repairs. Selim Yalcin aboard the Endurance 35 sloop Help Disabled Children is still in Cádiz, trying to resolve radio issues before returning to the race in Chichester Class.
As the storm builds, the GGR Window LIVE coverage captures the demands of solo ocean racing, providing viewers with real-time insights into the challenges faced by competitors. This innovative streaming technology allows spectators to witness the race without providing skippers with outside information.
Looking ahead, the “GGR Stats” initiative is set to launch on Saturday, providing detailed race statistics from the past editions, offering deeper insights for followers of the race.
As the immediate challenge of Tropical Storm Gonzalo looms, the race continues to unfold with both dangers and developments that keep sailors and viewers engaged.
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