Guy sets off on Golden Globe Race challenge
Scarborough Yacht Club’s Guy Waites has set off, in his yacht Sagarmatha, on the 27,000 nautical mile non-stop Golden Globe Race.
At 3pm on Sunday, 54-year-old Waites and 15 other entrants crossed the start line at les Sables d’ Olonne, a harbour 70 km SSE from Nantes, France, at the start of an epic non-stop race passing, but not stopping, at 11 points around the globe before finishing back at Sables d’ Olonne.
Yachts are expected to be out for less than 240 days, and completion times are a closely guarded secret. There is no handicapping, it is the first across the line that is declared the winner.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnson congratulated Scarborough Yacht Club (SYC) for their vigorous support of Guy.
SYC Commodore Clive Murray said: 'I've confidence Guy has an excellent chance of winning, and we look forward to him crossing the finish line in first position. Hats off from us to all competitors.'
Scarborough Yacht Club members were present at Sables d’ Olonne, and club members at the Club bar watched the start on a live stream, demonstrating considerable support for Guy’s event.
The start was also given coverage in national newspapers.
For the Golden Globe Race, getting funds to start the race was also a challenge.
Waites decided to raise funds as much as possible by asking the Scarborough and Yorkshire communities and small businesses. He was delighted with the sponsorship and support from Scarborough, Scarborough Business Ambassadors, and wider areas, and the many donations from the public, and corporate sponsors.