🌊 5-METRE BREAKING WAVES, A STORM JIB SWEPT INTO THE SEA — AND A SKIPPER STILL SMILING!
⛵ McIntyre Golden Globe Race 2026 | 2 November 2026
Italian skipper Andrea Lodolo, sailing his Rustler 36 BiBi, reports to GGR Race Control during a powerful South Atlantic storm and again as conditions begin to improve.
🎙️ “The waves are too big!”
During the storm, Andrea tells Georgie Vintner that winds are stronger than expected, with breaking waves he estimates at over FIVE METRES. The enormous seas prevent him from sailing east on his preferred course, forcing him to alter his direction.
Then a large wave sweeps his storm jib into the sea! Andrea manages to recover it and get it flying again.
Despite everything, his spirits remain remarkably high.
💬 “Morale is high. The boat is bulletproof!”
Rather than complaining about the conditions, Andrea talks enthusiastically about life at sea, his growing confidence and the simplicity of solo sailing.
He even shares his personal philosophy for surviving eight months alone around the world:
APMR — Accept, Positive, Method, Rhythm.
Accept what nature brings. Stay positive. Follow a method. Maintain your rhythm.
🌤️ AFTER THE WORST OF THE STORM — ALL IS WELL!
Andrea reports back to Race Control, confirming that he and BiBi are doing well. Although the remaining seas still make it difficult to hold his preferred course, he is confident of getting back on track as conditions improve.
From towering breaking waves to calmer conditions, these conversations reveal the resilience, optimism and extraordinary spirit of a skipper who truly loves his adventure.
⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00 – During the storm: Andrea checks in
00:47 – Stronger winds and difficult sailing conditions
01:40 – Breaking waves over five metres
02:02 – Storm jib swept into the sea and recovered
03:12 – Why Andrea remains so positive
05:06 – Life aboard: “Netflix without a screen!”
07:09 – Andrea explains his APMR philosophy
08:50 – After the worst of the storm: Andrea reports all is well
09:36 – Improving conditions and getting back on course
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