Former Clipper Race Skipper Guy Waites is taking on one of the most remarkable sailing challenges on the planet – the Golden Globe Race.

It’s a challenge that is close to the heart of the Clipper Race. Its first edition propelled Founder and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to fame when he was the only entrant to complete it in 1969. After winning the event he became the first person to sail solo, non-stop around the world.

Guy and his 16 fellow entrants are sailing without modern technology or the benefit of satellite-based navigation aids. Paying homage to the original race, the Golden Globe Race (GGR), which started on 4 September, limits its entrant to sailing similar yachts and using the equipment that was available to Sir Robin in that first race.

Before he set sail, we caught up with Guy in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, as he was making final preparations for the Golden Globe Race 2022

Guy puts a sextant into use whilst on the Clipper 2019-20 Race

How long have you been planning for the Golden Globe Race?

Well, it’s been in my mind for years and years, but the planning began back in 2019 but we didn’t get the boat until early 2020.

What makes it stand out from other round the world races?

The boats have to be relatively ordinary, fibreglass cruising boats that were designed before 1988. They have to be between 32 and 36ft long with a long keel. You’re not allowed any expensive, exotic materials like carbon fibre. It’s a back-to-basics race that’s trying…