For the first time in history, Antigua is hosting a non-stop, solo yacht race around the world, marking a significant milestone in global sailing. On February 23rd at 11:30 AM, fifteen daring sailors will depart from Falmouth Harbour, embarking on a grueling 26,000-mile voyage in self-built 19-foot (5.8-meter) plywood yachts. The competitors will not return to Antigua until March 2026, making this an unprecedented maritime feat in mini yacht racing.
A World-First in Sailing
The Mini Globe Race 2025, hosted by the National Sailing Academy, is capturing worldwide attention as the first race of its kind. The academy’s dock in Falmouth Harbour has become the staging ground for final preparations, where entrants are undergoing safety checks, briefings, and last-minute modifications to their vessels before the big departure.
The fleet consists of ALMA Globe 580 yachts, a specially designed class built for long-haul endurance racing. The race is part of the McIntyre MGR and Transat series, conceptualized by renowned Australian adventurer and sailor Don McIntyre, who is also behind other prestigious sailing events, including the Golden Globe Race and the Ocean Globe Race.
Meet the Mini Globe Race 2025 Entrants
Representing eight countries, these determined sailors have already proven their capabilities by completing the 3,000-mile solo transatlantic journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua as part of their qualification. Now, they prepare for the ultimate challenge—a two-year voyage around the world.
Confirmed Competitors:
| Hull Number | Skipper | Country | Boat Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | Daniel Turner | Australia | IMMORTAL GAME |
| 111 | Eric Marsh | Australia | Sunbear |
| 103 | John Blenkinsop | Canada | Deija100 |
| 109 | Gary Swindail | Germany | Deija99 |
| 157 | Dan Turk | Ireland | “Question 2” |
| 168 | Christian Sauer | Spain | Little Bea |
| 202 | Jakub Ziem | USA | ARGO |
| 215 | Pilar Pasanau | Spain | Bibi Of Cork |
| 223 | Renaud Stitelmann | France | Peter Punk |
| 235 | Ertan Beskardes | UK | Capucinette |
| 248 | Adam Waugh | USA | TREKKA |
| 259 | Joshua Kali | South Africa | NUMBATOL |
| 268 | TBD | TBD | Little Wre |
| 275 | TBD | TBD | OKIGAV |
| 280 | TBD | TBD | Skookum |
A Race That Pushes Limits
Sailing in small, self-built plywood yachts for over a year is a life-defining challenge, demanding resilience, skill, and mental fortitude. The Mini Globe Race route takes sailors from Antigua to Panama, where the yachts will be transported overland instead of using the canal. From there, they will sail across the Pacific to Fiji, making a three-week stopover in mid-June, before continuing across the top of Australia and venturing deep into the Southern Ocean towards Cape Town, South Africa.
After an extended holiday break in Cape Town, the race continues across the South Atlantic to Recife, Brazil, where competitors will make a final stop before heading home to Antigua for the grand finish in March 2026.
A Community United in Support
The National Sailing Academy has organized a warm send-off celebration, with events leading up to race day, including:
- A Welcome Reception on February 17th
- A Farewell Celebration on February 21st
- A Special Sailing Day on February 18th, where local schoolchildren and Sailability participants will join the skippers for an inspiring day on the water.
Excitement is palpable among sailors and spectators alike, with the vibrant community of Antigua offering unwavering support. Many competitors have spent years building and refining their ALMA Globe 580 One Design yachts in garages and backyards worldwide, turning a dream into reality.
“It is incredibly exciting to be in Antigua with the National Sailing Academy to launch the Mini Globe Race. This has been six years in the making, and the support and hospitality from the Antiguan people have been amazing,”said race organizer Don McIntyre. “This island has welcomed us time and again with open arms, and we love coming back here.”
The Countdown Begins
As the skippers make the most of their final days in the tropical paradise of Antigua, the excitement builds for what promises to be a historic adventure. With the departure date fast approaching, the world is watching as these intrepid sailors prepare to push the limits of solo sailing.
Before they set sail, the public is invited to meet the sailors, see their boats, and wish them fair winds at the National Sailing Academy dock in Falmouth Harbour.
For sailing enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and the global sailing community, the Mini Globe Race 2025 is a testament to the human spirit, determination, and the boundless possibilities of the open sea.
