MadMen

Father & Son 580 Ocean Race:

Sailing the World's Smallest Boats

www.minigloberace.com (Entrants 99 and 100)

www.delja580.com

Introduction

Imagine two tiny specks against the endless blue: that's us, Mike and John Blenkinsop, about to embark on a wild ride – sailing the world's smallest boats in a historic circumnavigation. Only about 260 people have ever sailed solo around the world with stops. This isn't a vacation; it's a battle cry against the odds, a testament to the human spirit, and we need your help to make it a reality.

The Challenge

We're about to embark on the first-ever race for the smallest boats to circumnavigate the globe. Traversing 25,000 grueling miles (over 400 days at sea), battling relentless waves, and navigating treacherous weather – all in a boat barely longer than your bed! It's more than just a race; it's a testament to human resilience, a beacon of hope for those facing challenges, and a reminder that even the smallest dreams can conquer the biggest oceans."

The Boats

These aren't boats; they're extensions of our hearts, built with our own hands full time over 3 years. We poured everything into making them seaworthy, ready to dance with the fiercest waves. Everyday we have spoken about safety, survival and racing. They are low tech and we will sail without all the modern weather forecasts or routing instruments. We need to learn how to use a sextant like our generations of forebears did who sailed the epic voyages across vast oceans.

The Journey

Our qualifying race takes us from Portugal's shores to Antigua's embrace, a symphony of waves and whispers of the unknown. We'll face fatigue, fear, and loneliness, but with every sunrise, we'll rise stronger, proving that the human spirit can weather any storm.

Gratitude and Connection

Be a part of this unprecedented odyssey! Every contribution, big or small, propels us towards the starting line. Donate now and help us etch our names in history, inspire others to chase their dreams, and support the Black Dog Institute's fight against mental health challenges.

With your help, we can prove that even the smallest vessels can conquer the biggest waves. Join us on this epic journey and become part of something truly extraordinary!

From the depths of our hearts, thank you for believing in our crazy dream. Your support fuels our courage and reminds us that we're not alone. Stay tuned to our social media pages for updates, and let's sail into the unknown together!

The race will be tracked and you will be able to see our daily progress posted with the event organiser, Don McIntyre.

Fueled by passion and purpose, 20% of all donations will go directly to support the Black Dog Institute in Australia, a leading organization fighting for mental health awareness and breaking the stigma we have around seeking help.

Joining this cause is deeply personal for us, and we're committed to using our journey to shine a light on stress, suicide prevention, and building a healthier world for all.

What drives us to conquer this seemingly impossible challenge? It's a symphony of reasons: the intoxicating freedom of the open sea, the electrifying thrill of competition, the relentless pursuit of personal growth, and the profound camaraderie forged with a team of dreamers like us. But most importantly, it's about inspiring others to chase their own impossible dreams, proving that with grit and determination, anything is possible. Mike will turn 70 at the start of the race!

We are both in this race to win.