Ireland will be on the start line of the McIntyre Golden Globe Race 2026 with the return of Pat Lawless. Lawless had to retire in Cape Town during the 2022 race after his self-steering Aries wind-vane bearing failed. On 16th Sept 2025, one year before the start of the McIntyre Golden Globe 2026, a press conference was held in Les Sables d'Olonne to announce that the race will set sail for the third time from the city in September 2026. Photo: Aïda ValceanuThe Golden Globe challenges skippers to sail solo, non-stop, and without electronic navigation. Golden Globe Race 2026 entrants