A Message from Race Director – Josh Hall

In September 1986 I found myself in Newport, Rhode Island, watching the start of the 1986-87 BOC Challenge – a singlehanded race around the world. For two weeks I had been on the docks helping out any of the entries that needed it, whether it was running some electrical wires or driving them to the supermarket for last-minute purchases of tinned clam chowder. I was in awe of what these sailors were about to undertake and was seduced by the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that lay heavily on the pontoons.

The invite to witness the start aboard a speedy spectator boat was incredibly exciting, the emotion of then following these ocean gladiators offshore until sunset was intense, but I was totally unprepared for my own clarity of vision as we leapt across the waves heading back to Newport because I decided there and then that I would be at the start of the next BOC Challenge in 1990 – as a Skipper!

This became a defining moment in my life and I am ever grateful that I followed my instincts as it led to a life of adventure on the high seas, of friendships made around the world and to a life less ordinary which suits me well.

Watching the sport of short-handed racing develop rapidly in both technology and cost, I realized a few years ago that, sadly, there was no longer an opportunity for dream fulfillment of those restless and adventurous “inspired to sail round the world” types - unless they could pull together the multimillion euro budget required to fund a 60 foot race yacht campaign.

In 2005 I was racing in the Transat Jacques Vabre with Joe Harris aboard his Open 50 "Gryphon Solo". In the cockpit during watch changes we came up with the concept of an around the world race that was more achievable and affordable. The Global Ocean Race was born and I committed myself to making it a reality.

The road to reality was a tough journey as we sought the sponsorship required to launch a fledgling event. However, nothing worthwhile is supposed to be easy. In Portimão we found a city with the same overall drive and ambition as ourselves and with their sponsorship the first edition of the race proved to be a great success. We were able to provide the platform for an eclectic fleet of sailors to realise their long-held dreams of racing around the world on an attainable budget.

We are extremely proud of the event and look forward to the next edition of The Global Ocean Race in which we anticipate a fleet of over 15 boats.

Welcome to our world.