Mini Globe Race

Sail along vicariously on this grand small-boat adventure

Article by Jonathan Lewis

I presume most of us aren’t itching to sail around the globe on a homebuilt vessel of less than 20 feet, but we’re fortunate to be able to live vicariously through yet another grand adventure brought to us by Don McIntyre—the man responsible for reinvigorating the Golden Globe and Ocean Globe races. Don has inspired a new race for a one-design class of plywood craft that will depart Antigua for Panama on February 23rd for the first leg of five in their journey around the world. The final leg from Recife, Brazil back to Antigua is scheduled to start February 26, 2026, so as followers we’ll have over a year of marvelous entertainment. With the Vendée Globe leaders having rounded the three great capes and crossing back over the equator after 56 days in their IMOCAs, and nearing the finish in their 60-foot fantastic speed machines, the Mini Globe Race promises to provide a lengthier time period to get to know the sailors and their trials and triumphs.

Can’t wait to tune in? You don’t have to, because after just completing a shakedown and qualifying sail from Lagos, Portugal to Lanzarote, Canary Islands, 12 of the participants will be heading to the Caribbean on a Transat race departing this Saturday, January 11.

All kinds of information is available on their website including entrant bios, a live tracker link, updates, and a tutorial. YouTube is packed with videos of boat tours, interviews and departures and arrivals. While not a big-budget enterprise, the production quality is good and Don is not only extremely experienced and knowledgeable, he’s also quite endearing. I highly recommend tuning in and supporting this remarkable undertaking. As small-boat sailors you’ll gain significant knowledge and insight from the solo skippers and teams. You won’t be disappointed! •SCA•