🌊⛵ "THE WARM-UP IS OVER – NOW IT REALLY STARTS!" 🇳🇴
Norwegian skipper Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth reaches another important milestone in the 2026 Golden Globe Race, but the excitement is mixed with some heartbreaking news from the fleet.
In this emotional Week 7 satellite phone call with GGR’s Georgie Vintner, Mara reflects on the realities of solo ocean racing, the news of Pat Lawless’s retirement declaration, and how life aboard CLASSIC MARA is progressing as she heads towards the tougher waters of the Southern Ocean.
💔 PAT LAWLESS – "HE REALLY DESERVED TO DO WELL"
Mara is visibly moved in her words when discussing Pat’s retirement announcement.
She explains how much Pat has helped her throughout her Golden Globe Race journey, always offering advice, encouragement and support.
Hearing that he had been forced to declare retirement was devastating.
His troubles are a powerful reminder that even the most experienced sailors can face heartbreaking setbacks at sea.
🌍 "THE WARM-UP IS OVER!"
Having passed another island milestone, Mara feels the real adventure is only just beginning!
With the Southern Ocean ahead, she knows that completing this extraordinary race will be anything but easy.
🧀 OH NO! THE FRIDGE HAS BROKEN!
Not everything is going according to plan aboard CLASSIC MARA!
Mara reveals that her fridge broke the previous day, leaving her scrambling to find ways to preserve her food supplies, including cheese and butter.
Fortunately, the rest of the boat is holding up well, with no major problems reported.
💪 SLEEP, WORKOUTS & FINDING HER RHYTHM
Despite some unpredictable sleeping patterns, Mara says she’s settling into a good routine, keeping up with her morning workouts and feeling positive about life at sea.
🌊 THE CHALLENGES AHEAD
Having sailed far south before, Mara is no stranger to demanding ocean conditions. But racing alone around the world brings an entirely different level of responsibility and uncertainty.
📡 Unfortunately, the satellite connection deteriorates towards the end of the conversation, cutting this fascinating update short.
🎧 Listen to Mara’s Week 7 call and hear her thoughts in her own words!
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Mara checks in with Georgie
00:21 – Another milestone reached!
00:39 – "The warm-up is over!"
01:05 – Mara’s emotional reaction to Pat Lawless’s news
02:02 – How is CLASSIC MARA holding up?
02:09 – Fridge trouble and saving her food!
02:38 – Sleep, workouts and life aboard
03:16 – Mara’s previous experience sailing far south
04:06 – Looking ahead to the challenges
04:46 – Satellite connection difficulties
05:07 – The call begins to break up
🌍 FOLLOW THE GOLDEN GLOBE RACE 2026
Official website: https://goldengloberace.com
Follow the fleet’s progress and discover the remarkable stories of sailors taking on the ultimate solo, nonstop, unassisted race around the world.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for daily race updates, satellite phone calls, exclusive interviews and extraordinary stories from the ocean!
❤️ Leave a message of encouragement for Mara and all the GGR 2026 skippers!
#GGR2026 #GoldenGlobeRace #MaraKveseth #PatLawless #SoloSailing #SouthernOcean #WomenInSailing #OceanRacing #SailingAdventure
