Month: July 2023

Olympics 2024

14 American athletes set to compete in Marseille for Paris 2024 test event

July 9, 2023

Marseille, France – 7/8/2023 –  US Sailing – Representing the United States from East to West Coast, 14 athletes across ten Olympic sailing disciplines will begin competition in the Paris 2024 Test Event on Sunday, July 9 in Marseille, France.  On the water for the USA:  What is a Test Event?  A Test Event is used as a “dress rehearsal” and will operate in the same format as the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Test Events traditionally provide event organizers and Olympic authorities the opportunity to test personnel and venue staging, working to eliminate flaws in their plans in the […]

Global Solo Challenge

Four American Skippers are ready to take on the Global Solo Challenge

July 9, 2023

Global Solo Challenge (GSC) Headquarters – 7/9/2023 – by Hal – As the excitement for the 2023-2024 Global Solo Challenge (GSC) builds, the sea’s call has enticed a varied and impressive group of sailors from around the world. Among them are four American skippers, each with their unique stories and compelling motivations for tackling the demanding circumnavigation. From the strength and perseverance of a combat-wounded Marine Corps veteran to the passion of a lifelong sailing enthusiast; from the childhood dream of a seasoned sailor to the adventurous spirit of an investment manager turned marine voyager, these four Americans bring a […]

Global Solo Challenge

Curt Morlock – Global Solo Challenger Number 54

July 9, 2023

GSC – 7/9/2023 – By Hal – Curt Morlock, a 64-year-old American, will be participating in the first edition of the Global Solo Challenge (GSC), starting from A Coruña, Spain in December. Aboard his Open 60 sailboat (ex-IMOCA), named 6 Lazy K, Morlock will be among the last to set off due to the staggered start times according to boat performance. His sailboat is a proven competitor, having participated in several races, including the Vendée Globe and the Around Alone. It was built in 1999 by Thierry Dubois and carries a track record of impressive performance. Morlock, originally from South […]

Global Solo Challenge

David Linger – Global Solo Challenger Number 51

July 9, 2023

GSC – 7/9/2023 – By Hal – David Linger, a 60-year-old American and lifelong sailing enthusiast, is an entrant in the Global Solo Challenge (GSC). He was raised by the sea in Seattle, where he gained extensive knowledge of boatbuilding, repairs, rigging, and detailing. With his passion for sailing and inspiration from notable sailors such as Sir Frances Chichester, Eric Tabarly, Alain Colas, and Claire Francis, Linger always dreamt of completing a solo circumnavigation.  Upon retirement, Linger found that the GSC fell at an ideal time in his life. He purchased a 2006 Class 40 yacht, previously named Bolland Mills, […]

Global Solo Challenge

Ronnie Simpson – Global Solo Challenger Number 52

July 9, 2023

GSC – 7/9/2023 – By Hal – Ronnie Simpson from Honolulu, Hawaii is one of the most experienced sailors who entered the Global Solo Challenge to date. Ronnie Simpson, an American, combat-wounded, and retired Marine Corps veteran, is a prominent figure in the sailing world and decided to enter the Global Solo Challenge (GSC) whilst supporting US Patriot Sailing, a veterans’ sailing non-profit organization. Simpson experienced a life-changing event during his service in Iraq when he suffered severe injuries, including the loss of half of his lung in an explosion. After his military retirement, he faced personal struggles until he discovered sailing. Immediately […]

Global Solo Challenge

Peter Bourke – Global Solo Challenger Number 5

July 9, 2023

Peter Bourke, an American entrant in the Global Solo Challenge (GSC), has acquired a second-hand Finot-Conq designed Open 40 yacht named ‘Imagine’ for the challenge. The yacht, predominantly built of carbon composites and renowned for performance and reliability, was previously used as a liveaboard for a couple and their three children. It is anticipated that ‘Imagine’ will set off from A Coruña, Spain, in October due to its high anticipated performance in the staggered start format of the GSC. Bourke was born in England before his family moved to the USA, where he later served in the American Marine Corps in Vietnam. […]