Seventeen sailors from 11 countries are converging on Les Sables-d'Olonne for one of offshore sailing's most gruelling tests, and a press conference on 13 August offers a rare chance to meet the 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe Race fleet before the start gun fires.
The event takes place at 15:00 UTC on Thursday, 13 August 2026, at the GGR Office, École des Pêches, Allée du Frère Maximin, Les Sables-d'Olonne, and will stream live on the GGR Facebook and YouTube channels. Skipper interviews and media photo opportunities are on the programme.
GGR founder and chairman Don McIntyre will be present alongside legendary French sailor Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, who holds the current GGR record of 211 days.
The provisional fleet of 17 is preparing to depart on 6 September 2026. The race is a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation sailed without GPS or modern electronic navigation aids. Competitors navigate by sextant, compass, and paper charts, using the sun and stars to find their way around the planet.
Recognised as the grandmother of the Vendée Globe, the GGR has a punishing record. Across the past three editions, 43 sailors started and only nine finished.
The skippers share one ambition: to finish. Some will also be hoping to better Van Den Heede's 211-day record.
Media wishing to attend in person can confirm by emailing press@goldengloberace.com or calling +33 6 71 16 02 16.
