Antigua's National Sailing Academy is About to Begin the Globetrotting McIntyre Mini Globe Race

From the picturesque Falmouth Harbour in Antigua, an extraordinary nautical feat is about to embark. Led by Australian adventurer Don McIntyre, fifteen valiant men and women will set sail on February 23rd in home-crafted ALMA Globe 580 yachts on a death-defying voyage: a solo race across the world, covering 26,000 miles. The yachts, one-design plywood vessels, of only about 6 meters in length, hail from 37 countries worldwide. Thrust into the harsh and unpredictable waters of the sea alone, the sailors are set to face the raw, thrilling, and sometimes unnerving, quintessence of oceanic exploration. Unprecedented in the annals of yachting, this race is sure to capture the attention of sailing enthusiasts and adventurers globally. Apart from the historical merit of the event, the McIntyre Mini Globe Race (MGR) stands out for its inclusion of racers from diverse backgrounds. While one entrant has tasted the rigours of commanding an English aircraft carrier, another has the triumph of swimming the length of the UK to their name. These adventurers have not merely embarked on the challenging journey, but have also previously completed a 3,000-mile solo race across the Atlantic, as part of their qualifying requirements for the MGR. Emboldened by the success of the Globe 580 Transat Race, the organisers have ensured the event retains its elemental charm. ALMA Globe 580 yachts are being constructed in home garages and backyards, making the event a unique showcase of DIY craftsmanship. The route is equally captivating as the race. The journey begins in Antigua, sails towards Panama, crosses the Pacific, anchors in Fiji for a stopover, and then sails on, surpassing Australia, sailing through the Southern Ocean, and finally concluding at Cape Town, South Africa. With the globe as their racetrack and their courage as their guide, these doughty sailors will inevitably chart a commendable course in sailing history.