Morning coffee on Window Live, around 150 nautical miles in a day, and one simple wish: something cold to drink! Welcome aboard Pompoen with Gunnar Christensen.
In this Week 6 phone call from the McIntyre Golden Globe Race 2026, Gunnar catches up with Don McIntyre about good sailing, everyday routines and the little things that make life alone at sea interesting.
With a Force 5 breeze on the beam, his Hans Christian 34 is in her element. Gunnar is pleased with the progress, confident with his sun sights and planning to try some star sights at twilight. Radio conversations with other entrants help him keep track of the fleet and stay connected.
There are a few practical jobs on the list. A worsening deck leak above the galley needs sealing once conditions dry out, and the aft solar-panel wiring needs attention. His hydrogenerator is working well, and he plans to rely more on it in the Southern Ocean, removing the aft panels and leaving their rewiring until he returns to the Atlantic.
Cooking in a moving galley has pushed him towards more freeze-dried meals, and the menu is already losing its appeal. Hearing that another skipper has a freezer aboard hasn’t helped his longing for a cold drink!
When he wants to think about something beyond sailing, Gunnar plans cycling routes. His idea is to ride from the UK back to Les Sables-d’Olonne for the awards ceremony. He has also been racing through books, including Farley Mowat’s The Boat Who Wouldn’t Float.
Don and Gunnar discuss why viewers enjoy Window Live—from morning coffee to the quiet, uncomfortable and entertaining moments that make up the voyage. Gunnar also shares his thoughts on staying fit, building trust in Pompoen and why he often prefers the cockpit when conditions get lively.
Don reckons the Southern Ocean might persuade him to spend a little more time below. There should certainly be less complaining about the heat!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Sorting out the phone-call schedule
00:43 Morning coffee and life on Window Live
01:38 A 150-mile day aboard Pompoen
02:14 Celestial navigation and fleet radio chats
03:45 A galley leak and freeze-dried food
04:33 Planning a cycling adventure
05:24 Books and longing for a cold drink
07:06 Solar panels, hydrogenerator and staying fit
08:04 Sharing the voyage with viewers
08:52 Building confidence for the Southern Ocean
Follow the race: goldengloberace.com
Meet Gunnar and Pompoen: Gunnar Christensen’s skipper profile
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