Irish grandad to attempt non-stop solo voyage of globe

A 70-year-old Kerry grandfather, Pat Lawless, has embarked on one of the world's most demanding and perilous sailing challenges: the Golden Globe Race. He aims to become the first Irish person to complete this solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe.

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This is the longest, loneliest race in the world. It’s going to be really tough, but I’m up for the challenge.

Known as the 'Voyage for Madmen,' the race covers 30,000 nautical miles and is renowned for its extreme physical and mental toll. Family and friends gathered on the pier in Dingle to bid farewell as Lawless set sail towards the race's starting point in Les Sables d’Olonne, France.

This marks Lawless's second attempt at the race. He was forced to abandon his previous attempt in 2022, despite being in third place off South Africa, due to a failure in his boat's self-steering system. He expressed confidence in his boat's ability to withstand the journey this time.

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He’ll be fine. He is well prepared. There will be some nerves at the start of the race in France but as soon as he hits open seas he will be grand.

"This is the longest, loneliest race in the world. It’s going to be really tough, but I’m up for the challenge," Lawless stated. He highlighted the race's high attrition rate, noting that in the 2018 race, only five out of 18 boats finished, and in 2022, three out of 16 completed the course. His primary aim is to finish, which would then give him a chance to win.

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I fished with Pat for over 25 years. He’s a great seaman and made of tough stuff. He has no fear and he has tremendous seafaring knowledge. That will really stand to him in this race.

The endeavor has been financed through a combination of sponsorship from Silvermines Hydro, local business donations, and fundraising events, totaling over €120,000 for boat modifications, equipment, and entry fees. His son, Tony, believes Lawless's experience from the 2022 race will be a significant advantage. Long-time friend Séamus Ó Lúing praised Lawless's courage and extensive seafaring knowledge, calling him "made of tough stuff."

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The big challenge is being alone for so long. Completely alone. That’s tough. And then to have to race without any modern equipment. It truly is a big challenge.