Year Begins with a Bang as GLOBE40 Sailors Embark on Pacific Trek

The New Year’s fireworks had barely faded when, on the first day of the year, the GLOBE40 competitors took to the sea. The fourth leg of their global race saw them launch from the iconic Sydney Harbour, bound for distant Valparaiso, Chile. This journey transports them from one legendary destination to another, spanning a staggering 6,400 nautical miles.

For these racers, the Pacific Ocean awaits, brimming with tales of powerful storms, heroic seafarers, and untold mysteries. Their route takes them from the Australian coastline to the Chilean shores, with New Zealand serving as the last sight of land before they dive headlong into the beckoning void of the deep ocean.

The midway point in Sydney provided a memorable break, with the charismatic city offering a warm welcome. This mix of a stunning cityscape revolving around the sea and a supportive public makes Sydney a sailor’s haven.

As they cast off for the New Year, the racers are set to chart their course between Sydney Harbour and Valparaiso Bay, navigating numerous obstacles such as Point Nemo, the reputed location furthest from land on Earth. This prestigious leg, featuring predominantly western to eastern oceanic crossing, is likely to be at least as challenging as its predecessors, posing a fresh test for the competitors.

The Pacific crossing commences with a sense of anticipation and novelty, merging the thrill of the unfamiliar with the adrenaline rush of competition. As the sailors’ venture into the vastness, they not only push the limits of sailing ingenuity but remind us of the human capacity for adventure.