The 2025-26 Mini Globe Race made an overland transfer of 15 Globe 580 yachts from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean to continue on the round-the-world event. On March 25, the fleet set off on leg 2, a 7,200-Mile course to Vuda Marina Fiji, the longest of five legs in the 26,000 mile solo odyssey in plywood home built 19-footers.
Following the 1200nm first leg from Antigua to Panama, the transport overland from Atlantic to Pacific proved necessary as the 580s were too slow to use the Panama Canal and unable to consider a 55,000 euro maritime tow fee.
The complex operation required careful planning and ten days of co-ordination from the various stake holders. The 100km road transit would take three hours in a convoy of two boats at a time, on specially modified trailers and in complex peak traffic situations.
Mechanical delays, a flat tire in the wrong place at the wrong time, and then a national strike that closed highway access ultimately caused a two day delay in the start date.
The 7,200-nautical-mile Leg 2 race to Fiji features:
1. A 4,700-mile passage to the Marquesas Islands (for 8-day pitstop) across the equator with strong currents, and light winds before finally reaching the south east trades.
2. A 500-mile sprint to Papeete, Tahiti (7-day pitstop) where finding a marina berth may be challenging in peak cruising season.
3. A 1,500-mile crossing to Pangai, Tonga (8-day pitstop) and a chance to cruise the beautiful Ha’ Apai group and welcome early whales.
4. Then the final 500-mile push to Vuda Marina, Fiji (arriving late June) for a three week break before the start of leg three to Cape Town, South Africa.
Of the 15 competitors, Mike Blenkinsop is no longer racing, but will cruise the Pacific to Fiji, then on to Australia. His son John Blenkinsop has a “Green card” and is racing, but plans to sail in support with his father for now.
The fleet expects to reach the Marquesas Islands in approximately 45-55 days, facing variable Pacific conditions including light winds and strong currents in the equatorial zone. It could take much longer. There are also critical routing decisions near the Galapagos Islands.
With the cost of Starlink Mini’s only US$200 in Panama, all but three entrants now have the system installed onboard. This system provides for accurate weather forecasting, which will be very important for this leg.
Event details – Notice of Race – Tracker – Leg One Results
Thirteen men and two women from eight countries set sail February 24 from Antigua for the solo round the world 2025-26 Mini Globe Race in 19-foot Globe 580 yachts. The multi-stage race is expected to take 163 months before the final finish in Antigua.
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DemirHindiSG 29 Mart 2025-22:09
