⛵ GOLDEN GLOBE RACE 2026 | LATEST NEWS FROM PAT LAWLESS
🌊 "When you’re not in the race, the ocean becomes bigger every day." — Pat Lawless
An emotional but encouraging update from Irish sailor Pat Lawless, aboard SILVERMINES HYDRO, as he continues sailing alone towards Lanzarote following his heartbreaking retirement from the Golden Globe Race 2026.
In this latest conversation with GGR’s Georgie Vintner, Pat opens up about life after leaving the race, the disappointment of losing his chance to compete, and what is keeping him motivated on the long journey ahead.
💔 "THE GOLDEN GLOBE FOR ME IS GLORY OR CRAP. THERE’S NO MIDDLE."
Pat reflects on how difficult it is to be out of the competition after such a promising start. He had been giving race leader Damien Guillou a serious challenge before his retirement.
🌊 THE LONG JOURNEY TO LANZAROTE
Still sailing at around 4–5 knots, Pat is looking forward to finally reaching land. He estimates approximately two more weeks at sea and hopes to arrive around 22 November, possibly heading for Gran Tarajal.
⛵ ANOTHER PROBLEM ABOARD SILVERMINES HYDRO
Pat reports an additional problem with his headsail gear but says it is not a major issue. He’s now sailing with a smaller Yankee sail as he continues towards shelter.
❤️ A DAUGHTER’S WORDS BRING BACK HIS RACING SPIRIT!
One of the most touching moments of the call comes when Pat explains how a conversation with his daughter encouraged him to start sailing as though he were racing again.
He’s been trimming the boat, pushing his speed and keeping himself focused — not to win the Golden Globe Race, but to make the journey home more enjoyable and pass the time.
📞 STAYING CONNECTED
Pat also discusses difficulties receiving satellite phone calls and messages, while Georgie reassures him that the GGR team is still there to support him.
🏆 ONCE A GGR SAILOR, ALWAYS PART OF THE GGR FAMILY!
Although Pat’s official race may be over, his adventure continues. His determination, honesty and fighting spirit are an inspiration to the many supporters following his journey.
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Pat Lawless calls GGR Mission Control
00:14 – "The ocean becomes bigger every day"
00:42 – Looking forward to reaching land
00:53 – Another headsail problem aboard SILVERMINES HYDRO
01:19 – Sailing towards Lanzarote at 4–5 knots
02:01 – Satellite phone communication difficulties
02:39 – "The Golden Globe is glory or crap. There’s no middle"
03:01 – Reflecting on the lost opportunity
03:06 – Catching up on the GGR fleet
04:20 – Georgie shares news from Mission Control
04:51 – Pat’s expected arrival in Lanzarote
05:00 – How his daughter revived his racing spirit
05:49 – Pat’s conversation with schoolchildren
06:21 – A warm farewell from Georgie
💙 SEND PAT YOUR SUPPORT!
Pat may no longer be competing, but he’s still out there alone, facing the ocean and bringing SILVERMINES HYDRO safely towards land.
💬 Leave a message for Pat in the comments! Let him know that the GGR family is still following and supporting his journey.
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