2027 global solo challenge
A REDEMPTION STORY
Ronnie Simpson is a 40-year-old professional sailor and former skipper of the Open 50 Shipyard Brewing which competed in the first-ever Global Solo Challenge; a single-handed non-stop sailing race around the world in 2023-24. Sailing most of the race in third place, he dismasted after Cape Horn and was unable to finish the race. Undeterred, Ronnie is now campaigning to compete in the second edition of the Global Solo Challenge in October of 2027. In early 2025 he acquired Class 40 #15 ‘Koloa Maoli’ to compete in the 2027 race with a campaign based out of Portland, Maine.
As a combat-wounded and medically retired US Marine and Iraq war veteran who has sailed more than 175,000 miles at sea, Ronnie will be sailing to support US Patriot Sailing, a 501c3 Veterans’ sailing non-profit organization. Ronnie credits sailing with saving his life and believes in the inspirational and therapeutic benefit of finding purpose through sailing. Ronnie will also be racing to promote a circular economy, sustainability, renewable energy and environmental stewardship.
A grassroots ocean racing campaign with an ethos of creating community and sharing aligned values, Ronnie Simpson Racing is in need of sponsors and funding support to put together a competitive campaign for the 2027 Global Solo Challenge. Through raising private contributions and working to connect a number of established brands who are inspired to sponsor a round-the-world ocean racing campaign, Ronnie Simpson is determined to complete the Global Solo Challenge in 2027-28.