Global Solo Challenge

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. […]

Global Solo Challenge

America’s Peter Bourke: ‘Imagine’ Sailing Around the World

May 12, 2023

5/11/2022 – by Dave Proctor – GSC – When I spoke to American Global Solo Challenge (GSC) entrant Peter Bourke, he told me that he had recently acquired a secondhand Finot-Conq designed Open 40 for the challenge. Built by JMV Industries in France in 2001, this design of boat is predominantly built of carbon composites and has proven to be really exceptional in terms of performance, quality and realiability. A fast pure-bred racing yacht with good upwind performance, this yacht will undoubtably be one of the quicker yachts that leave from A Coruña in the Autumn of this year, and given that the […]

Global Solo Challenge

Conquering the globe, one wave at a time: Meet the Heroes of the Global Solo Challenge 2023

May 12, 2023

5/12/2023 – The sea is often seen as the final frontier of man’s conquest over nature. The twenty-four brave participants of the Global Solo Challenge 2023 are proof of this enduring allure. Departing from the historic maritime city of A Coruña, Spain, between August and September 2023, these seafarers are about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, testing their mental and physical stamina in the ultimate solo sailing challenge. They are showcasing the thrill of solo sailing the Olympics neglecting even a short version of it. The Global Solo Challenge isn’t just a race; it’s a testament to […]

Global Solo Challenge

Global Solo Challange Heros In the making

May 12, 2023

54 Total Entries 23 Active Entries # Name Surname Boat LOA Nationality Status 54 Curt Morlock Open 60 60 USA Full Entry 52 Ronnie Simpson Open 50 50 USA Full Entry 51 David Linger Class40 40 USA Full Entry 45 Édouard De Keyser Solaire 34 34 BEL Full Entry 42 Riccardo Tosetto Class40 40 ITA Full Entry 41 Robert Scharr Enfant Perdu 39 FRA Full Entry 40 William MacBrien Class40 50 CAN Full Entry 37 Juan Merediz Class40 40 ESP Full Entry 35 François Gouin Class40 40 FRA Full Entry 33 Lloyd Davey B42 42 GBR Full Entry 32 Henry […]

Global Solo Challenge

Volkan aspiring to be the first solo round-the-world Turkish sailor with Black Betty – In search of sponsors

January 27, 2023

1/27/2023 – by Alper Günoral – Global Solo Challenge – Volkan Kaan Yemlihaoğlu is an energetic soul with a friendly smile and a love for the sea. He began sailing as a child in Yalova, a Northwestern Turkish city on the Marmara Sea. He competed in optimist and laser races until high school and went on to take part in keelboat races. Then he went to Vienna for high school which put on pause his fondness for the sea. After his return to Turkey after high school, he went to college and continued with his lifelong passion: sailing races. He […]

Global Solo Challenge

Gentlemen of the Oceans

August 7, 2022

8/7/2022 – by Helena De La Gandara, Global Solo Challenge – When it comes offshore yacht racing, competition itself is a challenge that can be affected by many factors, personal or external. You have to take into account many factors: the difficulty of competing around the world without other to share the experience with, counting only on your own resources, the implacable force of the oceans, the many risks of collisions with boats, landmarks or even ice. All of this and much more is part of an offshore challenge such as the Global Solo Challenge. When it comes to ocean yacht […]