Where are all the crazy sailors these days?
Well some have built their own 5.8 Metre (basically plywood) sailboats and are nearing the end of a round the world solo race
The McIntyre Mini Globe Race (MGR) rules emphasize simplicity, self-reliance, and safety for solo sailors in custom-built Globe 5.80 boats, banning electronics like wind instruments, limiting battery/solar power, and requiring extensive training, strict safety gear (EPIRBs, life rafts), and approved navigation methods (sextant, paper charts). Key rules involve mandatory solo qualifiers, 8-day stopovers with photo proof, strict radio silence (except emergencies), and adherence to the IRPCS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) for navigation, all managed by a personal safety manager.
Boat & Equipment Rules (Class Globe 5.80)
Sailor Requirements & Conduct
Race Format & Logistics
Australian solo sailor Eric Marsh, 72, survived a harrowing man overboard (MOB) incident during the 2025 McIntyre Mini Globe Race. The incident occurred in October 2025, about 70 miles (110 km) from the finish of Leg 3 in Mauritius, amid rough conditions.
Incident Details
Safety Lessons
The incident has prompted debate over safety regulations in solo racing. A full debrief is being conducted to share lessons learned with all race competitors. Key takeaways and safety features that helped him survive included:
Well some have built their own 5.8 Metre (basically plywood) sailboats and are nearing the end of a round the world solo race
The McIntyre Mini Globe Race (MGR) rules emphasize simplicity, self-reliance, and safety for solo sailors in custom-built Globe 5.80 boats, banning electronics like wind instruments, limiting battery/solar power, and requiring extensive training, strict safety gear (EPIRBs, life rafts), and approved navigation methods (sextant, paper charts). Key rules involve mandatory solo qualifiers, 8-day stopovers with photo proof, strict radio silence (except emergencies), and adherence to the IRPCS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) for navigation, all managed by a personal safety manager.
Boat & Equipment Rules (Class Globe 5.80)
- Mandatory Build: Must use plans for the Class Globe 5.80, a one-design class.
- No High-Tech Electronics: No electronic wind instruments, log, or GPS (except for position logging via tracker).
- Power Limits: Max 200 Amp-hours battery, 200 Watts solar, only electric outboards allowed.
- Navigation: Paper charts, sextant, and manuals are required.
- Safety Gear: SOLAS flares, EPIRB, PLB, AIS beacon, survival suits, life raft, V-sheet, fire safety.
- Structural: Specific keel bolt inspection rules, high-vis paint, raised coachroof.
Sailor Requirements & Conduct
- Experience: Minimum ocean sailing miles and a solo qualifier voyage.
- Training: Survival and medical training mandatory.
- Safety Managers: Each sailor has an appointed manager responsible for logistics and safety oversight.
- Communication: Strict limits; emergency use only for personal comms.
- Code of Conduct: Must sign a code including no alcohol on board before departure, dry ship rules.
Race Format & Logistics
- Course: A solo, around-the-world route with specific legs and compulsory stopovers (e.g., 8 days in Marquesas).
- Tracking: YB3 satellite trackers provide 24/7 monitoring.
- Stops: Unpenalized stops allowed, but the clock runs; stopovers require proof (photos).
Requirements before you enter solo or two handed
- Skippers must be minimum 18 years old or have parent’s consent.
- Must have purchased a set of Globe 5.80 plans and show at least 1000 miles of ocean sailing experience on any boat before submitting an Application for an Invitation to Compete.
Requirements before race start solo and two handed
- Minimum 1,000 miles ocean sailing (any yacht) and a solo, non-stop 300 mile voyage in the entered Globe 5.80 under windvane, survival training and medical examination.
- Participants self-regulate safety inspections and assist organisers with final inspections.
- $2mil third party entrant insurance.
- Liability forms, compulsory briefings.
Australian solo sailor Eric Marsh, 72, survived a harrowing man overboard (MOB) incident during the 2025 McIntyre Mini Globe Race. The incident occurred in October 2025, about 70 miles (110 km) from the finish of Leg 3 in Mauritius, amid rough conditions.
Incident Details
- Time and Conditions: The incident happened at night (around 3 a.m.) in rain squalls, with winds of 20-25 knots (37-46 kph) and 2-3 meter (6.5-10 ft) seas.
- Cause: Marsh went onto the foredeck of his 5.80-meter (19-ft) yacht Sunbear to stow a spinnaker pole when a large wave washed him overboard.
- Survival: He was tethered to the boat by a safety line, which saved him from being lost at sea. He was dragged alongside the moving boat for several minutes, describing it as the "scariest time" of his life.
- Self-Rescue Challenges: His auto-inflating life jacket deployed, which initially made it more difficult to climb back on board, as the inflated jacket hindered his movement. After several exhausting attempts, he managed to pull himself back onto the deck over the stern (port quarter) of the boat.
- Aftermath: Marsh, though shaken and bruised, was able to contact his safety team and safely arrive in Mauritius.
Safety Lessons
The incident has prompted debate over safety regulations in solo racing. A full debrief is being conducted to share lessons learned with all race competitors. Key takeaways and safety features that helped him survive included:
- Tethering: Being clipped to the boat with a safety line was critical to preventing him from being separated from his vessel.
- Running Bridle: A running safety line along the hull, from bow to stern, helped manage the situation while he was in the water.
- Preparedness: The race organizers emphasize the importance of having a well-rehearsed man overboard plan, as every second counts.
