💔 A heartbreaking turn in the Golden Globe Race 2026 — but an extraordinary display of courage and determination.
Italian sailor Andrea Lodolo, aboard BiBi, calls Race Founder Don McIntyre after suffering a painful knee injury when he fell from the cockpit into the cabin.
Unable to bend his leg properly and struggling with severe pain, Andrea contacted MSOS medical support. Following an assessment by phone, the doctor warned of a possible knee fracture and advised that continuing into the Indian Ocean would be unsafe.
The difficult decision: divert to Cape Town for medical assessment.
But Andrea’s attitude is remarkable.
💬 "I’m proud of myself for what I have achieved so far and what I’m learning."
Despite the disappointment, Andrea refuses to feel sorry for himself. He accepts that some things are beyond a sailor’s control and knows his health must come first.
"It’s bad luck, but we are sailors and we have to stay strong in any situation, even in this."
In this emotional phone conversation, Andrea and Don discuss his injury, the medical advice, the diversion to Cape Town and the difficult reality of ocean racing.
The GGR team will continue supporting Andrea with weather information as he makes his way towards safety.
❤️ Send Andrea your messages of encouragement in the comments. His courage, positive spirit and seamanship deserve enormous respect.
🌍 Follow the Golden Globe Race 2026:
⛵ Live Race Tracker:
#GGR2026 #GoldenGlobeRace #AndreaLodolo #Sailing #SoloSailing #OceanRacing #CapeTown #BiBi #SailingNews
