🚨 BREAKING NEWS – PAT LAWLESS MAY STILL BE IN THE RACE! ⛵🇮🇪
Just when everyone thought Pat Lawless’s 2026 Golden Globe Race was over, another dramatic twist!
After declaring his retirement on 18 October following problems with his Solent furling system, Pat has now revealed an even more serious problem aboard SILVERMINES HYDRO — damage to his rudder and tiller connection that he had kept to himself!
In this extraordinary Week 7 satellite phone call recorded on 20 October 2026, Pat tells GGR’s Georgie Vintner how the securing rivets on his rudder fitting have failed, leaving significant movement in the steering system.
For days, Pat has been fighting to make repairs, hanging over the stern in his safety harness, improvising with timber and desperately searching for suitable bolts. He even describes a frightening near miss while dealing with the damaged furling gear!
But then comes the BIG QUESTION:
💬 "If I can get it fixed, can I rejoin?"
And Georgie’s answer brings fresh hope!
Although Pat announced his retirement, he has NOT yet stopped in port. He may still be able to continue racing if he can safely repair the damage, with any penalties for outside communications or assistance to be determined under the race rules.
Pat also explains why continuing in Chichester Class doesn’t interest him. He came to compete in the Golden Globe Race, not simply to sail around the world.
❤️ Fellow GGR skippers have been sending messages of encouragement and wishing him well.
Will Pat manage to save his rudder, secure his rig and fight his way back into the race? Or will these latest problems finally force him to stop?
The next decision is Pat’s — and above all, his safety comes first.
🎧 Hear the full conversation in Pat’s own words!
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Pat calls Georgie with an update
00:19 – Revealing the hidden rudder problem
00:40 – Broken rivets and the question of rejoining
01:02 – What happened to the Solent furler?
01:38 – Why Pat kept the problem secret
02:12 – The rudder damage gets worse
04:10 – A frightening near miss
04:31 – Dangerous repairs over the stern
05:45 – Can Pat repair the boat and return?
06:07 – Why Chichester Class is not an option for him
06:43 – Georgie explains his possible race continuation
07:18 – Support from the other GGR skippers
07:46 – More problems with radio communications
08:13 – Stay safe, Pat!
🌍 Follow the race: https://goldengloberace.com
🔔 Subscribe for the latest developments from the 2026 Golden Globe Race!
#GGR2026 #PatLawless #GoldenGlobeRace #SoloSailing #SailingNews #OceanRacing
