Which Boat Would YOU Choose for Golden Globe Race?

[tenchiki]

Tetly's boat broke up and sank not because the design wasn't suitable, but because the construction wasn't suitable.

[HBNH]

Maybe a Westsail?

[Polux]

Well, it seems to be the only thread about this race. Some interesting news:

They decided to start from France, from where the Vendee Globe starts (Sables d'Olonne) but they were not expecting the French reaction that does not want to do anything with this "retro" race:

"The Golden Globe Race 2018 will now start from Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée, after event organisers failed to secure financial backing in the UK....

We had major sponsors lined up, but no one knows what is happening with Brexit and because of that uncertainty no one wants to spend money. We are by no means the only sporting event affected by this. We feel that we exhausted every avenue before making this decision."
Read more at Golden Globe Race abandons UK for France over Brexit finances - Yachting Monthly

7 December
The FFV (Fédération Française de Voile/French Sailing Federation) has announced that the rules for the Golden Globe Race, set to start from Les Sables d’Olonne on July 1st next year, do not meet their regulations, thus the event cannot start and end in France.

The vice president of the FFV, Henry Bacchini, told the French news website, acu.fr, that the organisation of the race “does not fit at all, at all, in all the necessary safety, health, etc. processes”.

He added that the Golden Globe Race is a “completely random and dangerous test”.

Read more at Golden Globe Race organisers meet with the French Sailing Federation (FFV) to discuss race rules - YBW

[SV DestinyAscen]

They don't have enough committed organizational resources to provide rescue and fleet protection. The Minitransat has an entire fleet of unspoken heroes whose entire job is to maintain contact with the boats and provide services if needed - otherwise the French maritime authorities would stop the unpowered boats from leaving port.

In re Steady Hands's hypothetical: Would you permit a plywood boat w/ hard chines and beamy rear end?

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Polux

Well, it seems to be the only thread about this race. Some interesting news:
...

Actually, you posted in this one

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ce-147824.html

and this one:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ld-176990.html

[Polux]

Originally Posted by StuM

Actually, you posted in this one

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ce-147824.html

and this one:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ld-176990.html

I tried to find it. It seemed to me that there was another one but I could not find it. The search engine is a lousy one LOL.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Polux

Well, it seems to be the only thread about this race. Some interesting news:

They decided to start from France, from where the Vendee Globe starts (Sables d'Olonne) but they were not expecting the French reaction that does not want to do anything with this "retro" race:

"The Golden Globe Race 2018 will now start from Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée, after event organisers failed to secure financial backing in the UK....

We had major sponsors lined up, but no one knows what is happening with Brexit and because of that uncertainty no one wants to spend money. We are by no means the only sporting event affected by this. We feel that we exhausted every avenue before making this decision."
Read more at Golden Globe Race abandons UK for France over Brexit finances - Yachting Monthly

7 December
The FFV (Fédération Française de Voile/French Sailing Federation) has announced that the rules for the Golden Globe Race, set to start from Les Sables d’Olonne on July 1st next year, do not meet their regulations, thus the event cannot start and end in France.

The vice president of the FFV, Henry Bacchini, told the French news website, acu.fr, that the organisation of the race “does not fit at all, at all, in all the necessary safety, health, etc. processes”.

He added that the Golden Globe Race is a “completely random and dangerous test”.

Read more at Golden Globe Race organisers meet with the French Sailing Federation (FFV) to discuss race rules - YBW

Thanks for posting that news.

It appears the race has hit a big obstacle. How unfortunate.

But, since they would not allow a Joshua boat, my Favorite or choice, to compete, I decided not to enter the race. (kidding)

And why did they exclude a Joshua design boat? Hmmmm....what if one had beaten the Suhaili designs? That would have led to some heated conversations at the sailor bars around the world.

[Paul L]

Might as well pick from a list that is actually approved for the race

. 2018 Golden Globe Race approved designs: Westsail 32 • Tradewind 35 • Saga 34 • Saltram 36 • Vancouver 32 & 34 • OE 32 • Eric (sister ship to Suhaili) • Aries 32 • Baba 35 • Biscay 36 • Bowman 36 • Cape Dory 36 • Nicholson 32 MKX-XI • Rustler 36, Endurance 35, Gaia 36, Hans Christian 33T, Tashiba 36, Cabo Rico 34, Hinckley Pilot 35, Lello 34, Gale Force 34.

[Jim Cate]

Probably not a popular opinion, but to me the whole race was artificial, contrived and arbitrary. Much more appropriate (IMO) to have it in the "run what ya brung" space that the original race had, but restricting it to designs made prior to the original race date. Their list of "approved' designs... well, who decided what would go on it? And restricting it to production boats when (IIRC) none of the original racers were production boats? That is the sort of thinking that lead to my feelings about the whole thing.

Can't say that I'm surprised at this latest development, nor terribly disappointed.

Jim

[Paul L]

Jim
Isn't the organizer McIntyre a Tasmania local?

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Polux

I tried to find it. It seemed to me that there was another one but I could not find it. The search engine is a lousy one LOL.

Yep, the forum search engine is terrible. I always use the Google "Custom Search" box below it. It does a MUCH better job.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Jim
Isn't the organizer McIntyre a Tasmania local?

Paul, I don't really know. He has been involved in lots of sailing oriented affairs, including a bunch of Antarctic tourism efforts, but I don't follow his activities and don't think he is located here in Tassie... could be wrong!

Cheers,

Jim

[Polux]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

Thanks for posting that news.

It appears the race has hit a big obstacle. How unfortunate.

But, since they would not allow a Joshua boat, my Favorite or choice, to compete, I decided not to enter the race. (kidding)

And why did they exclude a Joshua design boat? Hmmmm....what if one had beaten the Suhaili designs? That would have led to some heated conversations at the sailor bars around the world.

Contrary to what many thing those French races in incredibly fast boats have a high degree of safety in what concerns the boat's mandatory design features, like unsinkability and ability to re right themselves and the sailors to be accepted on the race have to be very experienced ones with a proven good track record as solo racing sailors.

Here the requirements are ridiculously low: " Entrants must show prior ocean sailing experience of at least 8,000 miles and another 2000 miles solo in any boat, by 30th April 2018."

Note that they are not even talking about 2000nm non stop miles solo, verified as in a pre-qualification race, like it is demanded in many solo races, but just about 2000 unverified miles that can have been done (or not) in several sailing trips.

Also one thing is sailing solo other is racing a boat at the high latitudes those races are made.

The French Sailing federation suggested "that the 2018 Golden Globe may be more of an adventure and maritime event than a true yacht race."

And if they chose this option there will be no way to prevent this "race". Probably it will be what is going to happen.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Polux

Contrary to what many thing those French races in incredibly fast boats have a high degree of safety in what concerns the boat's mandatory design features, like unsinkability and ability to re right themselves and the sailors to be accepted on the race have to be very experienced ones with a proven good track record as solo racing sailors.

Here the requirements are ridiculously low: " Entrants must show prior ocean sailing experience of at least 8,000 miles and another 2000 miles solo in any boat, by 30th April 2018."

Note that they are not even talking about 2000nm non stop miles solo, verified as in a pre-qualification race, like it is demanded in many solo races, but just about 2000 unverified miles that can have been done (or not) in several sailing trips.

Also one thing is sailing solo other is racing a boat at the high latitudes those races are made.

The French Sailing federation suggested "that the 2018 Golden Globe may be more of an adventure and maritime event than a true yacht race."

And if they chose this option there will be no way to prevent this "race". Probably it will be what is going to happen.

In other words 'A Jesters Challenge' with rules..
I think I would opt for one of the French chine designed boats from the 60's.. ala Joshua.

[Steadman Uhlich]

UPDATE JULY 1, 2018

Here are the boats the contestants chose for the race, which began on July 1, 2018.

NOTES:

1. several contestants chose the same boat model.

2. The boat illustrations show all boats are full keel boat designs.