Update on the 28,000-Mile Mini Globe Race

The fleet of Mini Globe Race challengers left Panama on Tuesday, March 25, for the 7,200-mile leg of the McIntyre Mini Globe Race to Vuda Point Marina, Fiji. This was after the 15 sailors and their 19-ft boats crossed Panama by truck to continue their solo race around the world. There are three “pit stops” on the way to Fiji that include the Marquesas (4,700 miles, eight days), Papeete (500 miles, seven days), and Tonga (1,500 miles, eight days) before their planned arrival in Fiji in late June.

Mike Blenkinsop has retired from the race, though he will continue as a cruiser until he reaches home in Australia. Pacific Northwest sailor Josh Kali continues on with the rest of the fleet, which is currently passing to the south of the Galápagos Islands, as they struggle to leave light air behind and connect with the southeast trade winds. Moving farther south means they’re now all looking up at the Southern Cross at night and sailing under the heat of the sun all day. Josh Kali reported that he’s rigged up his storm jib, not to help him sail but as a sun shade over the cockpit.

The fleet is currently about 12 days into what is expected to be at least a 45-day passage to the Marquesas. You can continue to follow Josh and the Mini Globe Race fleet here.