Kerry sailor Pat Lawless to reattempt Golden Globe Race

Pat Lawless, a 70‑year‑old carpenter from Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in West Kerry, is preparing to take on the Golden Globe Race for a second time. The solo, non‑stop circumnavigation of the globe, which covers roughly 30,000 nautical miles, is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and dangerous sailing challenges in the world.

Lawless first entered the race in 2022, finishing in third place before a self‑steering failure forced him to abandon the voyage after about two and a half months. He described the setback as “gutted” and said the incident was a major disappointment. Despite the setback, the veteran sailor is determined to try again. He has said that it would be a dream to become the first Irish person to complete the race and that he genuinely believes he has a chance of winning.

The Golden Globe Race is run under strict conditions that echo the original 1968 event. Competitors may not dock, cannot receive outside assistance, and are restricted to 1968 technology. Communication with family or friends is prohibited during the nine‑month solo voyage. In 2022, only three of the 17 entrants finished the race, with South African woman Kirsten Neuschafer taking the victory.

Lawless, who is also a grandfather, is training for the upcoming race with the aim of overcoming the challenges that proved too great in his first attempt. He hopes that his experience and determination will allow him to complete the journey that has eluded so many.

For more details, see the original coverage from Dundalk FM and RTÉ.

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