Six of the 16 starters have retired, leaving 10 sailors racing towards Les Sables-d’Olonne. Andrea Lodolo is sailing for Cape Town with a fractured knee; Guy deBoer is stable aboard the Brazilian Navy corvette Barroso following his evacuation.
Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth has announced her retirement after being notified of two disqualification penalties, both suspended. Damien Guillou leads into the Indian Ocean, with Ertan Beskardes in second and Etienne Messikommer moving into third position. Calmer conditions provide relief, with Guillou’s Hobart film drop tentatively estimated around 17 December.
In 1968, nine sailors started the inaugural Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, with only one finishing: Sir Robin Knox-Johnston aboard SUHAILI. The 50th anniversary edition in 2018 had 18 starters and five finishers. In 2022, 16 started and just three finished.
Andrea Lodolo, sailing BiBi, suffered a fracture around his knee after a fall. Consultation with Medical Support Offshore (MSOS) indicated the injury was significant and might require evacuation, but Lodolo chose to sail to Cape Town instead of abandoning his boat. He is under close medical supervision and taking painkillers while trying to immobilise his leg.
Guy deBoer was successfully evacuated from SPIRIT by Brazilian Navy helicopter on 8 November after injuries sustained in a fall. He is currently in stable condition aboard the corvette Barroso, bound for Rio de Janeiro. GGR is hopeful for his recovery.
Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth retired after being informed of disqualification penalties due to breaches of the Notice of Race and Code of Conduct. Despite being in 5th place, she decided to announce her retirement. GGR is committed to maintaining the integrity of the race.
The remaining fleet continues to make progress towards the finish line amid changing winds and conditions. The human story of the GGR continues, and the adventure is far from over.
View the GGR Window Live
#GoldenGlobeRace #GGR2026
More Offshore Sailing stories: Click here
