GLOBE40: From Andalusian Shores to African Waters — Crews Set Sail for Mindelo
At 1:00 p.m. today, the fleet of the second GLOBE40 edition left Cádiz for Mindelo, on São Vicente in Cape Verde. After a 900-mile prologue from Lorient, which sketched out the first sporting contours of the competition, the 17 Class40 yachts now face a 1,500-mile run toward the trade winds.
Key Takeaways
- Official start at 13:00 from Cádiz to Mindelo (São Vicente, Cape Verde).
- Distance: about 1,500 nautical miles via the Canary Islands.
- Strong showing from three scow-type Class40s after the prologue.
- Trade winds expected, though the Canary Islands’ terrain could complicate tactics.
- Skippers are carrying school supplies to support children affected by Storm Erin in Mindelo.
Cádiz Welcomes the GLOBE40
Cádiz, the oldest city in Western Europe, offered its historic setting and warm hospitality for this first major offshore start hosted in the Andalusian port. Tens of thousands of visitors attended the race village during the week, while a drone show lit up the sky on the eve of departure. The atmosphere left a vivid impression on competitors beginning this round-the-world challenge.
Insights from the Prologue
The prologue between Lorient and Cape Finisterre gave an early indication of form:
| Boat | Designer | Position after prologue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crédit Mutuel (No. 202) | David Raison (scow) | 1st | Held a small lead approaching Cape Finisterre. |
| Next Generation Boating Around the World (No. 189) | Guillaume Verdier (scow) | 2nd | German crew, fast off the breeze. |
| Belgium Ocean Racing – Curium (No. 187) | Lombard Yacht Design (scow) | 3rd | Consistent performance at reaching angles. |
| Freedom (No. 139) | Lombard (pointed bow) | 1st among “sharp” designs | Faces pressure from Barco Brasil, Wilson Around the World, Jangada, and Whiskey Jack. |
Margins were narrow across the fleet, both among the scows (“round noses”) and the more traditional pointed bows.
A Classic Trade-Wind Passage Ahead
The stage from Cádiz to Mindelo is expected to unfold under moderate north-easterly trade winds (15–20 knots, according to recent forecasts). However, the Canary Islands’ orography may produce wind shadows or accelerations, offering tactical opportunities. The German crew, fast in downwind conditions during the prologue, is seen as an early favourite, but experienced French and Belgian teams could quickly counter their ambitions.
Support for Mindelo After Storm Erin
On August 11, Storm Erin caused significant damage in Mindelo, destroying parts of several schools and affecting many families. To assist local children as the school year begins, skippers are transporting part of a consignment of supplies — backpacks, notebooks, pencils, erasers — directly on board. Additional cargo is being shipped via an airlift coordinated from Lisbon by TAP Cargo.
Looking Ahead
The leaders are expected in Mindelo around the weekend of September 20–21, before crews enjoy a brief stopover and prepare for the long Atlantic leg toward South America, with Valparaíso as a distant milestone.
