GGR 2018-19

73-year old Frenchman Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, in his Rustler 36 ‘Matmut’, has completed the Golden Globe Race non-stop circumnavigation back to Les Sables d’Olonne in France.  He crossed the finishing line early this morning after 212 days at sea.   He is the first to finish since the race started last July and was greeted alongside by a huge welcoming crowd and a large bottle of champagne presented by Robin Knox-Johnson (winner of the original 1968-69 race).

Dutchman Mark Slats, in second place, has diverted to La Caruna following advice to avoid being dangerously trapped on a lee-shore in the Bay of Biscay by an approaching storm.   His Rustler 36 ‘Ophen Maverick’ was trailing by just 320 miles after narrowing Van Den Heede's lead by 91 miles over the weekend.

Third placed Uku Randmaa of Estonia lies 3,600 miles astern in his Rustler 36 ‘One and All’ (previously owned by GCCC Past Commodore Tony Atkins and sold specifically for use in the race).

With just four boats yet to finish out of the original eighteen, more news can be followed at https://goldengloberace.com/  or  https://youtu.be/u3NM1Ox7Nt0