SOLAREM, sailed by Damien Guillou, continues to set the pace at the front of the 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe Race. Guillou and Pat Lawless have broken clear of the chasing fleet and are now racing south in the southeast trades.
Over the past eight days, the fleet has transitioned from the uncertainty of Tropical Storm Gonzalo to battling calms, wind bands, and tactical gambles. The initial illusion of an easy passage through the Doldrums has faded, revealing the unpredictable nature of the Atlantic. Some skippers find themselves in a breeze while others near them are virtually stationary.
As of now, the fleet appears to be divided into three distinct races. At the forefront, Guillou and Lawless have established dominance, while Ertan Beskardes in third has gained significant traction. The rest of the fleet is caught in a constant struggle with changing winds.
Both Guillou and Lawless have shown remarkable consistency, with SOLAREM achieving impressive daily runs. Guillou has recently recorded around 164 nautical miles in a single day, while Lawless has also maintained swift speeds.
Beskardes, who committed to an eastern route, is now reaping the rewards as he climbs the ranks into a valuable third place. Meanwhile, the chasing group faces a relentless battle against the unpredictable weather conditions.
The race’s complexity is underscored by the contrasting fortunes of the skippers. Some are sailing hard, while others are parked in calm patches, demonstrating the Atlantic’s unpredictability.
Recent days have also seen technical issues for several skippers. Lawless experienced a steering line failure, costing him precious time, while others grapple with barnacle growth and equipment failures. The challenges of solo sailing are ever-present.
Race Control expressed concern for Louis Kerdelhué aboard IE CHARGE when his tracker indicated unusually slow progress and missed safety reports. However, a later message confirmed he was alright, highlighting the importance of daily communication for safety in the race.
Meanwhile, Guy deBoer aboard SPIRIT has returned to the race after completing necessary repairs, continuing under Chichester Class rules, which means he is no longer competing for the main trophies but is still part of the adventure.
The current state of the race reveals a developing dynamic, with the Atlantic now beginning to take its toll on the entrants. As they continue to sail towards the Southern Ocean, the reality of the race becomes clearer—this is a serious competition, and the stakes are high.
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