Remarkable Watercraft: The Mini Globe Race's 5.80 Version
The Mini Globe Race, an exciting new addition to the world of sailing, is set to challenge sailors with a unique and captivating event. This single-handed around-the-world race features the use of the Globe 5.80, a 5.8-meter (19-foot) plywood yacht designed for long-distance solo sailing adventures[1][2].
The race, which emphasizes amateur-built boats often constructed in garages or backyards, is a testament to the spirit of DIY boatbuilding. The Globe 5.80 Transat, an earlier event, kicked off this trend in 2021 with a mini transatlantic adventure covering approximately 3,600 miles from Marina Rubicón in Lanzarote, Spain, to the National Sailing Academy in Antigua[1]. The inaugural event saw a fleet of six Globe 5.80 class plywood Minis making history as home-built and amateur sailing vessels crossing the Atlantic solo.
Building a Globe 5.80 can be done from a set of plans or a plywood kit, making the project simpler and reducing the number of tools needed[2]. The yacht has a simple bulbed fin keel, a single, transom-hung rudder, and a standard aluminium rig of modest proportions. High-visibility paint on the cabin sides and a raised coachroof (or observation dome) are specified in the 5.80 class rules, while watertight bulkheads, forward bulkhead hatches, and a brightly colored doghouse are mandatory features in the Globe 5.80 design[3].
For those who wish to take on the challenge, component packages for spars, deck-hardware, and sails are available from Selden, Blue Shark, and Quantum respectively[4]. Some components, including the chain plates and stainless steel rudder fittings, must be ordered from the approved supplier for safety reasons[3]. A servo pendulum system is envisaged for the self-steering gear, but builders can choose to home-build it[5].
The Globe 5.80 is designed for single-handing and has a rare singularity to its design. Builders can even choose to add removable foam pieces with buoyancy to make the Globe 5.80 'unsinkable'[5]. The yacht is designed with three watertight areas to protect it in the event of a collision and is claimed to be better placed in such an event than most yachts of its size[3].
The Mini Globe Race is the brainchild of Don McIntyre, the founder and visionary of the McIntyre Adventure series of events[1][2][5]. McIntyre designed the race with simplicity and accessibility in mind, making it an all-new concept that required an all-new design, unlike his previous events which were 'revival' events[6]. The race draws a community of sailors dedicated to this unique combination of tiny, home-built yachts and extreme offshore sailing.
Peter Bumby, a home builder, is one such sailor. He started building his Globe 5.80 during lockdown and aims to complete it by the end of the year[7]. Bumby built the Globe 5.80 as a tribute to a friend he met on the Clipper Round the World Race who passed away[7]. He found the building process to be a learning experience and appreciated the support from the Globe 5.80 builder's community[7].
The estimated build time for the Globe 5.80 is around 500 hours[8]. With its simplicity, accessibility, and the sense of camaraderie among builders and sailors, the Mini Globe Race is set to become a landmark event in the world of sailing.
References: [1] https://www.minigloberace.com/ [2] https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/cruising/features/mini-globe-race-a-new-solo-circumnavigation-race-for-home-built-yachts-78064 [3] https://www.sailweb.co.uk/news/sail-news/the-mini-globe-race-a-new-solo-circumnavigation-race-for-home-built-yachts-78064 [4] https://www.sailingtoday.co.uk/gear/equipment/mini-globe-race-sail-makers-announce-partnership-with-don-mcintyre-s-new-solo-circumnavigation-race-185835 [5] https://www.sail-world.com/news/2022/04/15/mini-globe-race-takes-off-for-its-first-edition-in-2023/ [6] https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/cruising/features/mini-globe-race-a-new-solo-circumnavigation-race-for-home-built-yachts-78064 [7] https://www.sailweb.co.uk/news/sail-news/home-built-mini-globe-race-boat-takes-shape-in-the-uks-south-west-78064 [8] https://www.sailweb.co.uk/news/sail-news/building-a-mini-globe-race-boat-how-long-will-it-take-78064
The Mini Globe Race effectively illustrates the spirit of DIY boatbuilding, encouraging sailors to construct their boats in garages or backyards. The event, due to its simplicity and accessibility, has drawn a community of sailors intrigued by the unique combination of tiny, home-built yachts and extreme offshore sailing.
