McIntyre Mini Madness solo around the world

The McIntyre Mini Globe Race is a marathon by any measure. Every section is like another solo transatlantic race and there are 11 back to back! The racing is intense for the front runners. It’s not a cruise. The leaders after 5000 miles from Fiji are separated by just a day and after 14,000 miles just two. One design, ALMA Globe 580 racing is intense. Honour is at stake. They are averaging 135miles a day month after month in home built minis steered by windvanes. It’s not normal, it's simply amazing and it's the old fashion way…without assistance!

So what is happening to the skippers? Well everything is: Ship near misses, collisions to a dead stop from UFO’s - unidentified floating object, electrical problems, mast problems, engine problems and now sails are fading in the sun. The Southern Ocean looms large over the horizon. Intense low pressure systems and strong headwinds are on the menu! These are the little boats that can? Or can they?

No one has ever tried this unbelievably crazy race before. The 11 skippers still sailing can’t predict what comes next. No one can deny this is an honest human adventure and it’s playing out in front of our own eyes. These sailors attempting something bigger than all of us. Keep watching and tell your friends!! They may not believe you.

With Gary Swindail’s Question 2 now docked in Darwin, reflecting on a transformative adventure rather than a circumnavigation, 11 boats remain in the race proper. By early September, the fleet stretched like a necklace across the eastern Indian Ocean. At the sharp end, Renaud, Dan, Keri, and Pilar drove hard for Cocos-Keeling, carving out a commanding lead of 400 miles over the rest of the fleet. They battled 30-40kt winds and 4 metre seas for 145 mile days in the last few days approaching COCOS KEELING. Behind, Adam, Jakub, Josh, Jasmine, Christian, Eric and Ertan finally shook free of Australia’s wind-shadow and surged west, often logging 120-mile days once more.

Thursday Island to the Indian Ocean: Crocodiles, Currents and Close Quarters

After 5,000 miles from Fiji, the leaders of the McIntyre Mini Globe Race are still only hours apart. Renaud, Dan and Keri have been swapping the lead like cards in a poker game, averaging 135-mile days, surfing to 145, then stalling in calms, all before hammering into 40 knots and heavy seas at Cocos Keeling.

Danger Everywhere

Forget pirates — the fleet dodged swarms of fishing boats, near-misses with shipping, and collisions with UFOs (unidentified floating objects). Gear failures are mounting: torn sails, busted spreaders, fading electronics. The sun is shredding spinnakers, with replacements earning 48-hour penalties. For some, sail damage may decide the race.

Frontline Four

Renaud on Capucinette has been the benchmark, reeling off 130–140 mile days and staying glued to the shortest line. Keri on Origami followed with philosophy and determination, shrugging off warnings about pirates: “It’s about the pursuit of perfection.” Dan on Immortal Game braved fleets of fishing boats and celebrated with fresh yellowfin tuna. Then came Pilar on Peter Punk, charging from behind and forcing her way into the lead pack with sheer grit.

“These four are the contenders,” says race founder Don McIntyre. “Barring unimaginable misfortune, the winner will be one of them.”

Mid-Fleet Battles

Adam on Little Wren and Jakub on Bibi duel daily, Adam raising £30,000 for charity while Jakub muses like Moitessier, machete in hand, books in the cockpit. Josh on Skookum keeps spirits high despite gear damage, joking his bent mast gear was “crocodile deterrent.”

The Stalwarts

At the back, Jasmine on Numbatou fought through shredded sails and a terrifying near-miss with a ship, but still logged 153-mile days. Christian on Argo battles fraying sails, Eric on Sunbear (age 72!) tweaks trim and plays harmonica, while Ertan on Trekka treats calms as holidays — swimming, Netflix, and sashimi.

Cocos Keeling Chaos

Renaud arrived first at Cocos, Dan hours behind, then Keri. Heavy weather made anchoring a drama — Pilar’s anchor fouled dangerously until rescued by police, Keri onboard to help. For the rest, it’s a much-needed 10-day break before facing the brutal Southern Ocean.

The Road Ahead

The Indian Ocean is just a warm-up. Next comes the Southern Ocean — low pressure systems, icy seas, and winds most of these sailors have never faced. The first 17,000 miles have been training; the next 4,000 to Cape Town will be survival.

And yet, the camaraderie is unshakable. Whether it’s Adam celebrating with “something special in the porridge,” Jasmine laughing at broken watches, or Jakub quoting Moitessier while chasing rivals, the human spirit drives this race.