Guy deBoer to reenact 2022 Golden Globe Race on September 4, 2024, aboard his yacht, Spirit
by Golden Globe Race 24 Dec 2023 13:50 PST
GGR2022 Entrant Guy deBoer (USA) onboard his 1986 TASHIBA 36 `SPIRIT` © Guy deBoer Team
American solo sailor Guy deBoer is setting sail once again, departing from the port harbor of Les Sables d'Olonne, France, on September 4th, 2024. This time, he aims to finish what he began in the 2022 Golden Globe Race, honoring the commitment and the community that supported him.
The Spirit Returns
Guy deBoer set sail as one of the skippers in the 2022 Golden Globe Race but was forced to retire after a devastating accident near Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. The yacht, Spirit, sustained severe damage, forcing Guy to abandon the race. Undeterred, Guy and a dedicated team of workers have spent the last 11 grueling months restoring Spirit to her former glory. Today, she returns to the water for her very first sail since the incident, signaling a fresh start and a new challenge for deBoer.
The Journey Ahead
Though the next official Golden Globe Race is not until September 2026, Guy felt the call of the open sea was too urgent to ignore. His aim is not just to fulfill his own dream of sailing solo non-stop around the world, but also to honor the individuals who generously supported his 2022 Golden Globe campaign.
The Course and Rules
Guy deBoer will follow the same course as the 2022 Golden Globe Race, abiding by all the rules and checkpoints of the official event—with one exception. Unlike other competitors in previous races who were restricted from using modern communication tools, Guy will maintain a connection to the worldwide web through satellite communications.
Why The Exception?
The decision to stay connected with the outside world is an intentional one, as Guy seeks to provide an inside look into the immense challenges of a Golden Globe Race (GGR) sailor. "I want to broadcast the raw experiences, the trials, and the beauty of this voyage to the world," deBoer said. This unique perspective will offer fans and followers an intimate view of what it truly takes to sail around the world solo, in a manner that retains the spirit of old-school navigation.
Embark on this remarkable journey with Guy deBoer and Spirit as they set out to complete what was started in 2022. Follow them in real-time and experience the courage, resilience, and sheer determination it takes to face the unknown waters.