Tuesday Talk: Pat Lawless

“Solo, non-stop, unassisted round the world 30,000 mile race. Nine months at sea alone in a small boat (GREEN REBEL), the Golden Globe Race is the longest and loneliest sporting event in the World. It will entail stepping back to the Golden Age of solo sailing, with no modern technology.”

That’s the Golden Globe Race. A voyage for mad people? the Golden Globe is widely regarded as the toughest and loneliest race in sailing. Competitors are not permitted to set foot on land or receive assistance for the duration of the race. Communication with family and friends is also prohibited. In keeping with the spirit of the first Golden Globe Race competitors can only use 1968 technology when navigating. Pat Lawless took part in the 2022 version but had to retire in Cape Town because of a broken self-steering gear. A tremendous achievement to get to the start line and to sail through the North and South Atlantics. But not enough for him – he has entered the 2026 Race! “Unfinished business” he calls it…

Regardless of what you think, come and hear him talk in HYC on Tuesday 24 October at 7.30pm. It will be a riveting talk – his energy and drive comes across as he takes the audience through his project and what draws him back for another go. There is free admission but a donation to the RNLI would be appreciated.
Put the date in your diary!

Check out Pat’s website here.