We are so excited that Kirsten Neuschäfer of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, was the first to cross the 2022 Golden Globe finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, on April 27, 2023,
The 30,290 NM of solo sailing in the round-the-world event around the three “great capes” of South America, Africa and Australia.
Fellow South African Entrants
We are so excited that both our fellow South African entrants of the Golden Globe Race rounded the much-feared Cape Horn without modern technology or the benefit of satellite-based navigation aids. Kirsten and Jeremy join fellow South African sailor Bertie Reed who, 30 years before, rescued Tapio, picking up a fellow South African sailor whose yacht had been hit by a growler near Cape Horn in the 1990-91 BOC Challenge.
In early April 2023, Kirsten was in first position after rounding the Horn so hopes were high. And she did not disappoint.
South African Golden Globe Entrants:
- Kirsten Neuschäfer, age 39 on a Cape George 36 named Minnehaha
- Jeremy Bagshaw, age 59 on a OE32 named Olleanna
About the Golden Globe Race
The Golden Globe Race is a solo around-the-world sailing race that was first held in 1968. The race was created by British sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who was the only sailor to complete the first edition of the race. The race was inspired by the Sunday Times Golden Globe trophy, which was awarded to the first sailor to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe.
The Golden Globe Race is unique in that it prohibits the use of modern technology, such as GPS and satellite phones, and requires sailors to navigate using only traditional methods. The race was not held for many years after the first edition, but it was revived in 2018 and is now held every four years. The race is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and prestigious sailing events in the world.
About Kirsten Neuschäfer: A Life on the Water
Kirsten Neuschäfer is a German sailor who has made a name for herself in the world of sailing. She has competed in numerous sailing events and is best known for her participation in the Golden Globe Race in 2018. Kirsten grew up in a sailing family and was introduced to the sport at a young age. Her parents were both avid sailors, and they encouraged Kirsten and her siblings to learn how to sail.
She quickly fell in love with the sport, and began competing in regattas when she was just a child. As Kirsten got older, she continued to hone her skills as a sailor. She competed in a variety of sailing events both in Germany and abroad, and began to develop a reputation as a skilled and talented sailor. She also began to dream of taking on bigger challenges including solo sailing.
In 2006, she took on her first major solo sailing challenge, when she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean by herself. This was a significant achievement and it gave her the confidence to take on even bigger challenges in the future. She continued to compete in sailing events and to push herself to new heights, always with an eye on the ultimate goal of competing in the Golden Globe Race.
To prepare for the Golden Globe Race, Kirsten spent years studying navigation, weather patterns, and other aspects of sailing. She also spent countless hours on the water, honing her skills and learning how to navigate through challenging conditions. When she finally got the chance to compete in the race in 2018, she was ready for the challenge and inspired many by placing 10th.
Back for More in the 2022 Golden Globe Race
Since 2018, Kirsten entered the 2022 edition of the race, determined to do even better this time around. She has been preparing for the 2022 Golden Globe Race for years, spending countless hours on the water, honing her sailing skills and preparing for the challenges she will face during the race.
One of the key differences between the 2022 edition of the race and the previous one in which Kirsten competed is the route. The 2022 race will take a different route than the previous edition, adding even more challenges for the sailors. The 2022 Golden Globe Race so far has been an exciting and challenging event, and Kirsten Neuschäfer has been one of the top competitors. Her experience and skill as a sailor, combined with her determination and perseverance, make her a formidable opponent. We wish her all the best in the race, and we can’t wait to see her cross the finish line.
Entrants Still in the Race
On September 4th, 2022, the third edition of the Golden Globe Race. Sixteen skippers set off from Les Sables d’Olonne, France. This grueling race spans over eight months of isolation, sailing 30,000 miles before finishing in Les Sables d’Olonne again. Many of the entrants have fallen out and retired. This is the group left now to complete the race.
2022 GGR Class
1. Kirsten Neuschäfer (39) / South Africa / Cape George 36 – “MINNEHAHA”
2. Abhilash Tomy (43) / India / Rustler 36 – “BAYANAT”
3. Michael Guggenberger (44) / Austria / Biscay 36 – “NURI”
2022 GGR Chichester Class
Competitors shift to this class by making one stop.
1. Simon Curwen (63) / UK / Biscay 36 – “CLARA” (will stop to repair windvane)
2. Jeremy Bagshaw (59) / South Africa / OE32 – “OLLEANNA” (stopped in Hobart to clean hull)
3. Ian Herbert Jones (52) / UK / Tradewind 35 – “PUFFIN” (use of safety electronics for stopover logistics)
