The GGR 2026 fleet is assembling in Les Sables-d’Olonne—but one skipper is still battling his way across the Atlantic, and his place on the start line remains uncertain.
Join Don McIntyre for a dockside walk through the Golden Globe Race marina as preparations intensify. Meet some of the leading contenders, explore their classic yachts and hear directly from the skippers about the pressure, excitement and last-minute work involved in reaching the start.
We look at Damien Guillou’s exceptionally prepared Rustler 36, meet 21-year-old Louis Kerdelhué—the youngest GGR skipper ever—and talk with Henry Wootton and Andrea Lodolo aboard their race-ready boats.
Don also reveals the new limited-edition Donald Crowhurst GGR coin, explains the €300,000 live-streaming project and examines the “Mighty Pumpkin,” complete with two Hydrovane self-steering systems.
Who is your hot prospect to win the 2026 Golden Globe Race? Let us know in the comments!
🌐 Follow the race: https://goldengloberace.com/
CHAPTERS
00:00 The GGR marina comes alive
00:29 Damien Guillou—the hot favourite?
01:34 EXPLORER becomes the event stage
03:11 Meet Louis, the youngest GGR skipper
05:39 The €300,000 live-streaming project
06:43 Henry Wootton and his Cape George 36
08:29 Henry’s Intrepid Hippo YouTube channel
09:01 Rebuilding the boat for the GGR
10:45 The pressure of reaching the start
11:43 Andrea Lodolo and his Rustler 36
13:03 Andrea’s custom sliding dodger
14:05 New Donald Crowhurst GGR coin revealed
14:54 One boat is still missing
15:28 Inside the “Mighty Pumpkin”
16:34 Press conference announcement
#GGR2026 #GoldenGlobeRace #SoloSailing #dreamchaser #adventureawaits
