Kirsten Golden Globe Race

2022 Golden Globe Single Handed Round the world Sailboat Race. 

https://goldengloberace.com/skipper/2022/kirsten-neuschafer/ 

Why do we undertake a challenge like the Golden Globe Race? I have been asked again and again what lead me and could possibly have motivated me to want to compete in the Golden Globe 2022. My answer is simple: it inspired me in 2018/2019, to watch people push themselves to the maximum of their potential in sport, endurance, seamanship, resourcefulness, tenacity and much more! It inspired me to try to make this challenge my own. Without a doubt, this is my cup of tea!

Most humans are inspired by great feats in sports, science, exploration, adventure, arts etc. - because it shows us what we are capable of as humans - not only as individuals, but collectively. Over the centuries, individual humans have achieved great things - but undoubtedly, WITH the support of other individuals who backed them up on many levels.

Already, on these first steps into my journey towards the start-line of the Golden Globe 2022, I have had great support in encouragement, ideas, skill, contacts, resources and knowledge from friends and strangers alike; old friendships have been rekindled, new friendships have been formed, and ultimately, this is a team-effort and “an example of friendship” , from the word “GO”! 

I have secured a boat to race in the GGR 2022. Those who have already owned a boat will know that it is like a black hole that sucks up funds. Preparing for a race like the Golden Globe takes extraordinary and meticulous preparation as the majority of the sailing takes place in the Southern Ocean, some of the stormiest stretches of ocean on the planet,
 

Phase 1: I start off with the goal to raise USD 100,000.  

This will go towards: 

- Debts on the initial purchase of the boat: USD 60 000

-  Running costs, such as mooring: 1500 USD per annum

-Insurance on the vessel: USD 1000 per annum

-  Doing basic work on the boat to get it ready for a move, away from the icy realms of Newfoundland in winter, down to a yard in more temperate climate (where I can devote many months of my labour and funds towards the refit): includes stepping the mast again, comprehensive engine service, cleaning out of fuel tanks, servicing electric wiring, servicing of all through-hull fittings, servicing of expired safety equipment, such as fire-extinguishers, bilge pumps etc., new flares, launching the boat and a whole lot more… : USD 15,000 
 

Phase 2 -  Extensive refit to the boat.

Some of the considerations for making my vessel sea-worthy for a race of approximately 30,000 nautical miles over a duration of 7 - 9 months or more, in some of the roughest oceans, non-stop, solo, without outside assistance: 

-  replacement of entire rig (spars, standing, stainless rigging, running rigging, chain-plates, spinnaker poles, roller-  furlers, additional reinforcement, as well as shipping of parts, labour, travel-lift/crane fees: 30,000 USD +

-  water-tight bulkhead and companionway hatch: 15,000 USD +

- replacement of worn components like bob-stay attachments, bowsprit, rudder shaft, bolts, pintels, gudgeons and restorative work on bulwarks, decks etc.: USD 20,000 +

-  replacement of all wiring, plumbing, skin-fittings, batteries, solar panels etc. USD 15,000

-  suitable wind-vane plus spare: USD 15,000

- installation of HF and VHF comms: USD 4,000

-   and more… (like compulsory equipment, sails, tools for effectuating repairs at sea etc., (to list but a few at this stage))

-  Complete new compliment of racing and storm sails: USD 20,000
 

Phase 3-  Preparing for the race:  

-  completing requirements, such as the 2000nm qualifier

-  sailing the boat under jury rig as well as sailing the boat with a make-shift rudder and documenting this all with high-quality video footage

-  training hard to master speed, as well as storm tactics

-   other considerations such as compulsory racing entry fees (16,000 AUD), compulsory racing equipment, (includes emergency grab-bag with SAT-phone, GPS etc. - to remain sealed unless in a life-threatening situation)

-  flights and accommodation to attend compulsory meetings

-  food provisions to sustain oneself for up to a year or more at sea

-  appropriate foul-weather gear

-  Heavy weather and storm sailing equipment such as drogues, sea-anchors etc.

-  navigational charts and other navigational publications and equipment

-  and a whole lot more…
 

These are but a few examples! The list goes on and on…

The help of donations from anyone who is interested in watching the evolution of this endeavour, will go a long way towards my advancing towards the start-line of the Golden Globe Race in September 2022 - I cannot possibly get there on my own! Your support will be of paramount importance. This is, after all, a team-effort!

As part of my team, Dr. Mark Lindborg will be managing the donation funds raised through GOFundMe. Mark is a  US friend that joined my Pelagic crew exploring the coast of Newfoundland July 2019. He has set up a bank account  at Forte Bank in Hartford, Wisconsin, USA under his name , and Titled, " Kirsten Golden Globe Race". The bank has been informed as to the nature and   beneficiary of this account and is required by regulation to provide specific monitoring of the account. The funds will be distributed periodically, by inter-bank transfer, to a US bank account under Kirsten's name.

So, here’s to phase 1: USD 100,000! 

This race is a labour of love; of passion for sailing, for the oceans, for adventure and for human challenge…
 

With endless gratitude,

Kirsten

 

Follow Kirsten on her journey towards the start- (and ultimately finish-) line of the Golden Globe Race 2022!

https://kirstenggr.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/KirstenNeuschaferGGR/ 

https://www.instagram.com/kirstenggr/ https://goldengloberace.com/skipper/2022/kirsten-neuschafer/

https://vimeo.com/362281723