United Kingdom – 4/8/2021 – By Marco Nannini – It’s been 15 weeks since the Global Solo Challenge 2023-24 was announced and the latest two entries bring the total to 15 confirmed entrants adding to the buzz around the event.
The latest entries are both adrenaline-fuelled Class40 racing boats and will be among the last to start. The unique pursuit format of the GSC will see all boats of whatever size and type competing on the water on level terms. It will be fascinating for participants and spectators to see if the faster boats can make up enough ground on the earlier starters.
Full details of the two new entries will be published as soon as the skippers have completed their media packs and interviews.
One of the new entries will also be hoping to establish a new world record for the fastest 40 footer around the world. The existing record of 137 days was set by the late Guo Chuan of China (photo above) and remains unbeaten since 2013. The Global Solo Challenge can provide the perfect setting for any such attempt.
Over 200 enquiries now received
Interest in the event keeps growing steadily. Over 200 skippers have now enquired about taking part with the french topping the list in terms of the number of enquirers.
“When I look at my spreadsheet and all the emails I exchange with potential entries it seems that these 15 confirmed entries are just the tip of the iceberg,” commented Event Director Marco Nannini. Several more have informally confirmed their intention to be part of the Global Solo Challenge, others are on the market for a suitable boat, some are quietly preparing for their qualifying passage – it’s going to be fantastic!”
New event partners and international media
The excitement around the GSC is developing on all fronts, with several partnerships announced in the past weeks. An international media agreement is being defined to deliver an engaging event for all.
Sponsors interest
Confidential presentations are being exchanged with several companies, some with a history of sponsorship in sailing. With 2 and a half years still to go before the event, it’s still early days. About the Global Solo Challenge 2023-24.
Cover photo: One of the new entries will also be hoping to establish a new world record for the fastest 40 footer around the world. The existing record of 137 days was set by the late Guo Chuan of China and remains unbeaten since 2013.
