The last year since dismasting and not finishing the Global Solo Challenge has been full of both highs and lows, with some pretty pronounced lows. To fully throw yourself at one singular cause and to then have that endeavor end in tragedy, spectacular failure and near death has been incredibly difficult for me to deal with. To race 80% of the way around the world and to round all three capes, sailing in a podium spot out of 16 boats, only to lose the boat and nearly die can not be the end of the story. There must be another chapter. And now, I am happy to announce that next chapter. About a week ago, I completed the purchase of Class 40 #15 Koloa Maoli, a veteran of the last GSC with David Linger and conveniently located right down the street at Maine Yacht Center. I am confident that I have acquired a platform that affords me an opportunity to build a good campaign and have a real chance at winning the next Global Solo Challenge.
I will now forever be linked to the GSC race, and I think that the next edition will be huge. Finding the money for a Vendée Globe simply is not realistic for me, but finding the money to get a good old Class 40 and have a realistic shot to win the GSC seemingly is. Given my history and my abilities, I truly do believe that we can have a real chance at winning the GSC, and I think that’s worth something. To that end, given the reasonable budget required to purchase and campaign an older Class 40 in the next GSC, I think that we can connect the dots and find enough sponsorship to get there.
I am beyond grateful to have an amazing partner that can play a vital role in helping find the necessary resources and run the campaign, and to continue working with my past sponsors and friends to build a community and a campaign that brings together many operating partners and stakeholders to deliver a positive return. One which can write another beautiful chapter in a long and storied legacy of American shorthanded offshore yacht racing based out of Maine. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during my last campaign and to so many online supporters around the world. Your support has been deeply inspirational, and a part of why I want to go again.
And so it begins!