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

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

American David Linger is the 51st entry in the Global Solo Challenge

July 26, 2022

United Kingdom – 7/26/2022 – by GSC – David Linger from Seattle is the 4th American to sign up for the Global Solo Challenge, the 11th Class40/Open40 in the fleet, which is proving to be a popular choice of boat in the event. Previous entries from the US have been Peter Bourke of Rhode Island, Colin Bastable of Texas, and the youngest entry so far in the GSC, Gardner LaMaurice of Virginia, who is 25 years old. David had been in touch with the organisers for some time and recently took the big leap to buy “Koloa Maoli”, an Owen Clarke Design […]

Global Solo Challenge

The youngest entry so far in the Global Solo Challenge is American Gardner LaMaurice, who turns 25 this month

May 19, 2022

United Kingdom – 5/19/2022 – By GSC – Gardner LaMaurice, who will turn 25 this month, is now the youngest entry so far in the Global Solo Challenge 2023-2024. With his entry the young American wants to break the stereotype of sailing only being accessible to rich retired people and hopes to inspire others to follow his example. Gardner was already in the process of preparing his boat to complete a circumnavigation when he discovered the GSC and decided to enter. He believes that the added motivation of an organised event and a framework of regulations to comply with will make his project safer. As organisers we […]