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Yesterday, Saturday 6, the 2026-27 edition of the Golden Globe race began. This is the third edition of a race commemorating the original 1968-69 “Voyage for Madmen” – the title of a very readable book by Peter Nichols describing the race. The only skipper able to finish the original race was Robin Knox-Johnston, now Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to accomplish a single-handed nonstop circumnavigation of the globe.

Unlike the original race, only sailors with a proven ability to handle trans-oceanic passages are eligible to apply.  This avoids the chance of having unqualified entrants like Donald Crowhurst, whose story began with fraud and ended with tragedy. But like the original race, only technology available in the pre-GPS/GNSS era is allowed; the exception being electronic devices essential for safety.  A page in the official website states: “the following are typical things not allowed: GPS, radar, chart plotters and electronic charts, electronic wind instruments, electronic log, mobile phone, iPhone, iPod, Kindle or any computer based device, CD players, electronic watches/clocks, digital binoculars, pocket calculators, water-maker, carbon fibre, spectra, any high-tech materials, etc.”

Therefore, celestial navigation, pencil and paper sight reduction, and paper charts are required. I presume the use of mechanical calculators for computation, such as slide rules or a Curta, is allowed.  Also, participating yachts have to be production sailboats designed before 1998; ultra high-tech 21st-century yachts affordable only by billionaires are not allowed. 16 skippers – one woman and 15 men – are now on their way around the globe. As one whose sailing skills were only adequate for the joy of handling a daysailer in an estuary or a protected bay, I look up at these intrepid sailors with awe.

Best, Rafael C 

PS: It’s possible to follow the course of the race online: https://goldengloberace.com/live-tracker/

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