Golden Globe Race 2026: Pat Lawless retires from second place

Sixteen solo skippers started the fourth Golden Globe Race on September 6, 2026, from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, Scuttlebutt Sailing News reported. Each sails non-stop around the world in a production boat (a standard factory-built design) designed before 1988, without modern navigation technology. As of October 5, France’s Damien Guillou led and Ireland’s Pat Lawless was second. Scuttlebutt reported on October 18 that Lawless, at 70 the oldest skipper, had retired. Scuttlebutt’s reports also note an earlier retirement on September 26. October 18 is the latest report we read, as of November 1, so the standings above may be out of date.

Under the race rules, skippers carry a sealed box holding two handheld GPS chart plotters, devices that show position on a map, for emergencies. A skipper who breaks the seal moves to the Chichester Class, which can still finish but not for the official trophies. A second stop means disqualification.