Summary
Lighter winds are bringing a new tactical challenge on day three of the Golden Globe Race. A high-pressure system moving east across the Bay of Biscay threatens to slow the northern boats, while those further south look better placed to retain favourable northeasterly winds. The next 24–48 hours could see a clearer split develop between the leading group and the chasing fleet.
Damien Guillou is looking strong close to the Spanish coast, benefiting from calmer seas and a favourable wind angle as he approaches Cape Finisterre. Pat Lawless is also well positioned, recording 137 nautical miles of progress over the previous 24 hours. Etienne Messikommer delivered the strongest daily figure highlighted in the report at 142 miles, closing the gap on Pat and pushing hard to stay ahead of the lighter winds.
Guido Cantini remains well placed, while Louis Kerdelhué and Daniel Pinsky are also in contention to stay with the favourable breeze. Louis has made a temporary repair to his Hydrovane after a fastening problem. Further north, Andrea Lodolo and Guy deBoer face a growing risk of becoming trapped in light winds unless they can make sufficient progress south.
Further back, Gunnar Christensen and Mara were making useful progress, although Mara’s missed tracker update meant her displayed position was several hours old. Pär Nyman was expected to leave Les Sables d’Olonne this morning.
Beyond Cape Finisterre, the forecast suggests favourable sailing towards the Lanzarote film drop. The first boats could arrive around 15 September, with others several days behind, although lighter winds near the leaders later in the passage could give the chasing boats an opportunity to close the gap.
Daily Report Archive Skipper tweets from 09/09/2026
