March 13th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is busy cleaning his boat and preparing to head home. He had 120KG of Rubbish and is on a very careful SEE FOOD diet now. He eats all the food he see’s!!!!! His land legs are slowly returning but he was effected quite a bit by this and has been wobbly on his feet more than JL VDH and MARK! and his two boys certainly know DAD is back and who he is.

March 10th 2019 12:00 AM

Uku arrived after 251 days 23 hours.

March 9th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU is now trying to slow down to arrive on time at 1000hrs local time Sunday. The forecast has changed again so it is a little frustrating with strong following winds. Forecast for Les Sables on arrival is 25kts and up to 3 mtr seas so UKU will sail into the famous Channel before dropping sails. He then proceeds to the Marina and a BIG reception and after a quick MUMM Champagne POP and hugs with his family, up onto the stage to present to the crowd. Hope to see you all there and on GGR LIVE!

March 8th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is 190 miles from the finish and if he maintained 5kts he may cross the finish line around 10pm – midnight on Saturday with winds gusting over 30kt but on Sunday morning they drop a little though there could be a 2-3mtr sea running. The wind will allow UKU to sail straight into the Famous Channel of Les Sables so an ETA of 1000hrs on Sunday is likely. His tracker for the last 12 hrs will be set at 1 hourly intervals. HOT PIZZA and a welcoming family will be waiting! For now he has favourable wind direction all the way so it should be comfortable sailing these last two days!

March 7th 2019 12:00 AM

Uku passed through the storm last night OK and is now on the final run toward food. We are still expecting him across the finish line at 0900UTC Sunday arrival ( 1000hrs local) and all looks good for a big turnout to meet him! He will be dreaming about PIZZA for sure and is due to call into GGR control one last time tomorrow morning..so watch for the SOUNDCLOUD!

March 6th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is in the middle of a 45/50 kt storm from the NNW with 8mtr breaking seas. He went North to get sea room and while it will only last for about 8 hours before starting to drop the seas seem unusually large which will be a challenge. He is making only 3.5kts so is running down wind probably under bare poles. This will be his last storm for the voyage and his ETA is now complicated with some light winds right at the finish so? it may well be a Sunday Morning arrival but could be late saturday..the life of a sailor is never simple!

March 5th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA had an unexpected series of increasing wind overnight, much more than expected to around 40-45kts and up to 5mtr seas. It is dropping off a little now but GGR have issued another weather alert for him tomorrow as a strong NNW front approaches with 45-50kt gusts for some hours before swinging back NW then W. He may get north of the worst winds in the next 18hrs but too hard to tell at this stage. He is still sailing fast on track with just 520 miles to the finish in Les Sables but a patch of light winds is predicted on Thursday. ETA is now 1600hrs on Saturday 9th.

March 4th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMA’s Luck is holding and fast sailing is assured. he has just 630 miles ot go and is making 5.7kts today. He has some strong 35/40kt winds pushing him all day tomorrow and then a small break for a day when it goes back to 20kts then another fast day with 30-35kts before an easy run into Les Sables d’Olonne for a Saturday arrival. He has food every day he tells us on the GGR SOUNDCLOUD CALL…but that may still just mean a little each day!. We will take his food order on Friday morning as we have asked him to call GGR again that day before his arrival. It will be a hungry man we all welcome. Hope to see you all there.

March 1st 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA has a new Estimates Time of Arrival in Les Sables d’Olonne of MIDNIGHT 9th MARCH. It is still eight days away and there are two elements in the future forecast that will have an impact on reality but he is generally in a good place for a fast trip home!. He will be slow for the next 24hrs with that low wind area coming over him and is currently still making 4.5kts, but being pushed more to the East. After that he just misses a small storm and after that he has some good sailing nearly all the way so keep your next weekend free!. WE will update his ETA regularly.

February 28th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is in a perfect position right now to make a fast passage to the finish. He may arrive on the weekend of the 9/10th of March!! He is East of the AZORES which usually is NOT the place to be, but the weather has been leading him that way and favourable wind direction for some days and it will continue. He will have a couple days average speeds and is currently making 5.7kts then it will start to blow with strong winds just missing another small storm before one more light patch, then solid winds racing toward the bay of Biscay. There is a storm due just as he arrives so there are challenges ahead but one thing is certain. he will be pushed every day direct to the finish in Les Sables and he is in a hurry! just 1150 miles to go.

February 26th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU has slowed just a little after a few fast days oncourse. Today he is making 5.6kts and with just 1375 miles to go it seems he is nearly home .Generally over the next two days he should average around five knots with following breeze all aft of the beam before starting to slow a little more on the third day as things become a little unstable. He will be clear of the AZORES at that time and entering into what is effectively the last weather system before looking into the Bay of BISCAY and the lottery of storms, calms or favourable winds. It is still impossible to give an accurate ETA until that time but it is looking like an arrival on the 11-12th March still. All is well onboard with all systems , even cooking fuel as there is not a lot to cook with no more fish onboard. The anticipation is building with friends and family that is certain.

February 22nd 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA will be happy that the winds for the next week look good for a fast track toward the Bay of BISCAY. Today he is making 5.7kts but in a few hours he will stop for a short calm before he again starts riding the westerlies under the low pressure systems and storms north of him. This is sending him closer toward the coast leaving the AZORES well behind and in two days he will have very strong winds all pushing him toward the finish. With only just enough food for 20 days he needs to arrive before the 12th and today looking forward as far as forecast allow, he may arrive on the 11th or 12th! It was quite a revelation to hear how little food he has left and the other surprise is that he has been on these strict rations since Hobart. No need to imaging what UKU is looking forward to when he arrives! Family yes but food certainly. He has 1800 miles to go!

February 18th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is starting to run out of wind and tomorrow will nearly stop as a calm zone moves over him from the north. This is pushed by the big storm in the North Atlantic. It will bring good westerly and south west winds for many days so UKU will sail out to the east and miss the big wind. He has 2116 miles to the finish.This fast run could last for about four days, but then it could slow down again. His boat is in good condition and he caught fish number four right on time, so he eats well for now saving his food for his delayed arrival. Still too early to be accurate with na finish time, so let’s just say around the 12th March for now and see what happens.

February 15th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is today making 6.1kts in a Race he probably does not even realise. Not the race to the finish, but the race to get North to catch the perfect SW winds that can push him home quickly. A large Low pressure system North of him is driving the SW winds toward him so the prospect of a large calm of no wind is low and a short stop may not last long. This Low is going to intensify to a monster storm with sustained winds forecast to reach 74kts with gusts to 90kts! and higher. These will be nowhere near him but they certainly drive the strong SW winds that will certainly push him well clear of ISTVAN following 600 miles behind.

February 14th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is eating plenty of fish and making progress north north west at 5.3kts in the wet bumpy sailing of the Trade winds. His next real challenge is about four days away. It is an important one!!. There is a HUGE powerful LOW Pressure forming in the North Atlantic that will, if the forecast holds true, bring him some strong following SW winds pushing him directly on course. Only one problem and that is a band of very light to ZERO winds that he must cross to reach them. He has to Race to that position before it opens up ( and may just make it?? ) and traps him. The difference could be huge if he makes it as it will push him out of reach of ISTVAN KOPAR but if he does not, the scales could change dramatically! If he succeeds, there is every prospect of heavy weather to come with big winds projected in the same system.

February 12th 2019 12:00 AM

It has been an eventful few days at sea with UKU and ISTVAN both in the North East Trade Wind heading north as best they can. UKU’s cut on his finger seems to be healing and he is fattening up nicely with his grand supply of Marlin having caught another one late yesterday. This means he has not had to use his small supply of freeze dried food for nearly five days which he will need as he was due to run out completely a week or more before his new arrival time of somewhere after MARCH 11th. His Running backstay repair is good and all other systems onboard are working well. His Hydrovane self steering continues to preform without a mistake since the start!, every day all day. His sailis are in good condition and even his radio is making a great signal. the only thing that is an issue is he still has to wait a few more weeks before he gets to see his family and twin boys! but that is the life of a sailor and we know UKU is now very happy to think of @les Sables d’Olone just over the horizon just 2600 miles away.

February 8th 2019 12:00 AM

Late Yesterday UKU RANDMAA had a problem with his rigging. He is sailing at 4.7kts North with the 20-25kt trade wind well forward of the beam and not quite hard on the wind, so he is bouncing around and occasionally slamming into seas. this always loads the mast and rigging. Something happened to one of his back stays and he had to stop sailing immediately and take all sail off to relieve the pressure while he worked to repair it. That is all we know from a radio report to his Ham operator MARTIN in Portugal. We do not know if it was fully or temporarily repaired yet, but he was sailing again after a few hours so all appears to be fine for now. The trades are steady and are not expected to change for the next week so he will make good progress with water flying around.

February 6th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA will NOT have a Birthday Cake today but I am sure he will dream of that and his young family! They are thinking of him on this special day. It was not much more than a year ago that UKU finally decided he would continue with his entry in the GGR as he felt sad and obligated to stay with his wife and new born twins, but the family knew he should and could do this, so they told him to go. It will be a huge celebration when he returns and the boys will be very proud of their dad! He is smiling today and sailing fast in the trades and for now that usually means ok sailing but the question is how high to sail into the wind..east off a little and enjoy the sail and you may not be in a good position for the AZORES HIGH in two weeks. Hold high into the wind and it is wet tough sailing and can stress the boat. Finding the balance is important and tricky!

February 5th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU has crossed the equator and it steadily increasing speed as he reaches up into the stronger wind zone of the NE trades. Good sailing for the next two weeks! He is making 4.8kts this morning and has 3107 miles to the finish with the tracker suggesting a MARCH 8th arrival. My best ETA for UKU depending on the location and strength of the AZORES HIGH is more like MARCH 12th. Not really a problem, as he will be so happy just to get home and see his wife and two little boys but ? he has confirmed that if he arrives on March 5th and has just one Freeze dried meal and one packet of soup each day till then…he will have NO FOOD left on the boat. The last week could be very interesting! Even more so is the fact that he has been on short rations for a few months now, will be losing weight and also strength to keep driving the boat maybe? Not dangerous but when you are in a race you need to work. Yes it is an adventure but now with ISTVAN continuing to narrow the distance between the two it gets complicated!

February 4th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU remains stuck in the doldrums that have proven very frustrating. He is just 9 miles from the equator and sailing at 3kts so in hours he will be on the same side as his family!!! We know he is missing them so it will feel good!! WE know also he is low on food so he has a double incentive to sail NORTH to LES SABLES as fast as he can. One is before the food runs out but more importantly and unbelievably, ISTVAN is now officially chasing him for the podium position. He is only 500 miles behind and just as happened with MARK and JL VDH there are opportunities and challenges ahead for both skippers. !! Who would have thought when looking back to August as the fleet was heading south down the Atlantic that ISTVAN could possibly come from last to now dream of a third place in the GGR! Every adventure has an unknown outcome and it is so true right now. UKU has been sailing in circles while PUFFIN has been charging at 6 knots directly toward ONE and ALL!…can he catch UKU?

January 26th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA continues to enjoy the Trades making great progress north but he is about to hit a wall of no wind on the 29th as the doldrum kick in this force and provide no wind and stormy local conditions for some time. Unlike Mark and JL VDH he is facing an area nearly 500 miles wide so it will be a struggle to the Equator unless something changes.

January 24th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU is making the most of the trades but in about four days the doldrums are also coming south to meet him much lower than JL VDH and MARK experienced. Maybe he will slow and let Istvan gain again. The life of a sailor is never simple!

January 23rd 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMA continues his track north in beautiful Trade wind conditions and for now even ISTVAN KOPAR is enjoying a good sailing breeze that will soon turn to the North so many days of windward work is all he can look forward to.

January 22nd 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is going to enjoy the next week of trade wind sailing dreaming of home, family and food as well as the epic battle taking place upfront. For any sailor trade wind sailing is the best, let alone for a sailor who has travelled so far and experienced so much. he should be very happy right now.

January 21st 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is finally on the edge of moderate Easterly Trade winds that allow him to make good speed North and away from ISTVAN who closed the distance in the last week. Over the next week the wind strength will drop a little but the easterly and South easterly direction will hold all the way to the equator and he will sail on course all the way. It has been a tough time for him sitting for too long. Now he can dream of home once again.

January 18th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMA is really struggling and very frustrated with the light headwinds and lack of progress over the past week that has seen ISTVAN catch up so much. He is working hard to grab every opportunity to sail north and wishes he was back in the southern ocean maybe where at least the wind was consistent! He wants to get home to see family but also because he has only just enough food to get to the finish line in late February! so his race is very real.

January 15th 2019 12:00 AM

ISTVAN KOPAR had to stop yesterday for half a day to repair his wind vane wheel drum connecting lines to his main steering wheel. He is now making good progress again on track to the Northeast maintaining average speeds of around 5.5kts and continuing to gain on UKU RANDMAA who is stuck in a no wind hole. This trend could continue for a few more days and it may see the gap separating both (which was 1200 miles just days ago) eventually shrink to around 700 miles. That makes things quite interesting for these two as anything is possible with so far to go to the finish and the HORSE Latitudes delivering big doses of good or bad luck depending on where you are! UKU is sailing as hard as he can flying spinnakers to make the most of the light frustrating conditions.

January 13th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU is sitting in a NO WIND Hole making at times less than 1kt, feeling as if he is getting dragged South by the wrong currents. His luck is not going to change in a hurry, as he is in an area of continuing light variable winds that could become normal over the next five days slowing his progress dramatically. The expected trade winds have gone for now. Even though ISTVAN is also going to struggle getting North, he may do better than UKU who is currently 1050 miles ahead. Can ISTVAN catch up? He will gain a little over the next few days maybe, but It will all come down to the weather. There is still a long way to go to Les Sables d’Olonne and the finish.

January 9th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU Randmaa is being pushed fast north, on track by the storm moving just south of him. He has a large area of unstable weather with light and changing wins ahead that will surely keep him working constantly to reach the SE trades that seams to be losing strength also. He reports all well onboard.

January 8th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA certainly attracts storms but this time it looks like it may help a little as a strong storm cell is set to pass close South of him over the next 24 hours and deliver good breeze to head North again after a day of frustrating head winds. All is well onboard and in yesterdays weekly sat phone call he described how his last storm as quite severe running under bare poles with no sails up and towing warps with 60kt plus winds and large confused seas. He knows now he still has a long way to the finish and this adventure is far from over while anything can happen. So far so good and he sounds happy!

January 6th 2019 12:00 AM

Uku is also drifting in a hole making 1Kt and will not get winds for another 24hrs and they too will be headwinds, so his climb North is not going to be easy but those before him faced the same challenges. All is well onboard.

January 4th 2019 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is winding down after his bush with a storm that is continuing to grow into a monster! as it moves away. His fast push North East paid off keeping his experience in the storm to about 9 hours only with no reports of damage, but a good story to tell later. Even today as he sails at only 3.7kts in 15kt winds the sea is still around 6 mtrs as it slowly dies down. It has only been in the last few hours he can relax as a BIG sea after the storm can be quite challenging. Winds are all favorable for the next for the next two days, but then he may be becalmed in warmer temperatures and possibly smooth seas. He still has a few barnacles not cleaned off since Hobart so will he will try again? One thing is certain, today he is relaxing after all the emotional energy spent with this last storm.

January 3rd 2019 12:00 AM

Uku Randmaa has not been able to run form the storm now over him. It is fast moving so will create challenges for about 12 hours with initial Northerly winds gusting to 60kts and 7mtr Seas swinging to West then South west quickly about six hours later. This could create breaking cross seas. Once the storm passes and the wind drops suddenly there is the challenge of the reaming unstable big seas. UKU has prepared well and the boat is in good shape with all systems operational going into the storm. He has all the latest forecast so knows what to expect. One thing is for sure, he will be happy when it is over and can head north once again to the trade wind dream. So will the GGR Family. Good luck UKU!

December 31st 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMA has been going nowhere for nearly two days as he was first confronted with the prospect of a sever storm about to form ahead of his track. He must turn back and head south to avoid it. Within hours the forecast changed and then changed again with computer models contracting themselves. 24hrs later the storm arrived but fortunately he missed the worst of it with 45kt winds and 5-6mtr seas for just 8 hours before being able to head north once again.

December 28th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMA has weather too hard to predict with great instability overall. He is out reefing and altering course with his Hydrovane self steering to get the best course clawing North very slowly at 3.8kts but the Low pressure passing is finally about to deliver some southerly winds. All is well onboard.

December 27th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is doing what sailors do. Sail their boat in challenging variable sailing conditions for the next few days. No storms but plenty of changing wind direction and strength are forecast with nothing consistent except change. It is an unstable weather system but every day he will slowly move north and that is the main game. He is in third place and a podium position in the 2018 GGR is an amazing effort so he will continue to sail in a safe stead way for sure.

December 26th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMA is enjoying champagne sailing conditions with following winds and low seas for now but is sailing right into the middle of a small high that will see him come to a standstill and then deliver moderate headwinds once again. He has had a mixed bag of wind direction and sea state since rounding Cape Horn but is making the most of it and it gets warmer every day and he likes that. He still has 6000 miles to the finish but for him that feels close and needs to be as he is dreaming of all the foods he currently does not have!

December 24th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA hit the wall of strong headwinds yesterday for 24 hours but he is on his way again now in good sailing NW winds and a 3mtr sea. Xmas will be a gift with calms and smooth seas but while it will be pleasant day to celebrate it will be slow going and that he will not like!!. We are not sure what Xmas food he has as he has only just enough food to get to the finish but the following days will be fast sailing for sure. Everything with the boat is good and his radio is working well so all at home can hear his messages and know he is well!!.

December 21st 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is nearly becalmed after a fast trip around the Horn. He plans to leave the Falklands to port and go wide to maybe miss the worst of the traditional headwinds that mark is now experiencing. At this time of the year there is no real settled weather for the next two weeks of his course so there is no right or wrong way to head north. One thing is for sure and that is he is quite enjoying the opportunity to have little wind and low seas after months of the real Southern Ocean. He is making just 2.9kts for now.

December 20th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is enjoying 3mtr seas and light following winds making only 3kts today but so relaxed to be heading out of the southern Ocean. I am sure he is having some good sleeping sessions now and thinking of family and Xmas!

December 19th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA PASSED CAPE HORN today just before 0400 UTC in mild conditions an emotional moment for sure. !! He will now enjoy the 2-3mtr seas and good mild sailing breezes for a few days in the knowledge that heading north every day toward home and family is a whole new world. It is still a LONG LONG way but it still will feel very close!..WELL DONE UKU!! WOOP WOOP!…for now all seems well onboard with no real problems.

December 18th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku Randmaa is about 125 miles from CAPE HORN with an ETA of around 0300hrs UTC 19th DEC. He has been sailing in 30-40kt winds and 5mtr seas which are now starting to decrease slowly. All seems well onboard for now . GOOD LUCK UKU!!

December 17th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is now well on his way to CAPE HORN moving behind big winds that are heading away from the Cape so the prediction is for a smooth passage now in Moderate winds and no storms. he will be happy about that as it is his dream since the start. it will still be a long way to the finish but it is the home run for the GGR. All is well with the boat and he has plenty of water but maybe just enough food to the end! He should turn the corner and celebrate late on the 19th or early on the 20th.

December 14th 2018 12:00 AM

ISTVAN KOPAR has managed to outrun the worst of the storm which is passing over him right now and should see winds of around 45/55kts and 6mtr seas. The peak winds should only last about three to six hours . Fortunately the Storm track remained as forecast and is losing it’s intensity as it blows itself apart. Over the next 24hrs it will simply transform into boisterous Southern Ocean airflows and head straight toward UKU RANDMA who will come under it’s influence in about 200UTC on the 15th. He can expect the same 6mtr seas and 40-50kt NE winds for about 36hrs after they eventually swing to the SW. It will push him rapidly toward CAPE HORN. Once this system moves through UKU will have a clear run in what appears to be good weather at this stage for his rounding.

December 12th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is in his own RACE to Cape horn while the weather shows no storms. The door is open wide right now with fast typical Southern Ocean weather, December 19th should be the turning point for him. He thinks every day of all his friends who have retired from the race and is happy to be sailing in third place for now.

December 10th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMA is planning to be at CAPE HORN on the 17th December and the weather for the next week suggests no sever storms for him. He is still thinking of SUSIE’s loss and how it happened. He also thinks of ARE, GREGOR, ABHILASH and LOIC so it is clear he will be happy to make it to the Atlantic and the run north as soon as possible. he feels uneasy but happy. He is deep south and heading further down. The emotions that play 24hrs a day on entrants are sometimes forgotten to us who follow the tracker. It can be intense for sure.

December 6th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is still in strong NW winds for the next 12 hours the last of the storm influence. wind and sea drops off with the projection of at least six days of classic Southern Ocean sailing to follow with no storms. He will make good progress to Cape Horn with classic long rollers of 4-5mtr seas and good winds varying from 25-35kts.

December 3rd 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is keeping Susie at a distance and has been able to catch 25ltrs of rain in the past days. There is a storm headed toward both Susie and UKU in two days and this could change fortunes for one or other as it is very unstable and may give different wind speed and direction even just a 100 miles away. They both may head a little north to miss the worst of is with winds in some parts forecast to reach 55kts

November 26th 2018 12:00 AM

As expected changing winds have made it challenging for UKU to make constant speeds to the east..he slows down and Susie catches up a little then Susie slows down and UKU moves away again. All is well onboard in fact it seems enjoyable but this cat and mouse game will continue for some time. This is a race and both are focused on getting ahead or staying ahead. For now they are not quite close enough to be immersed in the same wind system..there is a difference. If Susie gets closer then it is a real boat race as they have the same winds…watch this space. the RACE continues…

November 21st 2018 12:00 AM

UKU after loosing ground to Susie looks like he may keep sailing ahead of light winds that will slow her. But there are clams ahead that may allow another swim to remove the last 15% barnacles but will he be worried about more sharks!!! This is a great race between Susie and UKU and they are both challenges and excited by it!

November 19th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku has had very light winds for the past five days and that opened the door for Susie sailing in consistent winds now just 200 miles behind. She has been enjoying the last few days of perfect sailing. She is about 1.5 days sailing from UKU so the race is on for third place. They talk often to each other on the Radio so UKU knows she is coming and went over the side again in clams to work on his barnacle garden removing about 85% before he was chased out of the water by a circling SHARK! Not being a water person that was enough to make him feel happy with progress and finish immediately! He is not sure when he may go back to finish off!

November 14th 2018 12:00 AM

1500 NM behind the Dutch giant, UKU opens the way for the latest entrants into the Pacific. He has enjoyed his night under spinnaker after his cleaning day spent in the coldwater scraping the barnacles off his hull.
“IT WAS NICE RIDE UNDER SPINNAKER LAST NIGHT.:)”.

November 12th 2018 12:00 AM

A little more than 1300 NM from Mark Slats, Uku’s progress are much more difficult, stuck since last night in a bubble of high pressure that will happily disappear over the day to be replaced by moderate northwest winds. One and All should benefit from good weather conditions in the next few days.
“REAL PACIFIC OCEAN.SPINNAKER IS UP BUT MAIN DOES NOT WORK”..

November 7th 2018 12:00 AM

“LIGHT SAILING WITH N BREEZE.ALL OK :)”.
The entry into the Pacific is relatively easy for UKU 1000 NM behind Mark SLATS. Although two depressions, one from the north and one from the south of his trajectory should raise a messy sea from tomorrow. At the same time, the formation of a high-pressure bubble should slow him down, but it will happily soon be replaced by moderate wind.

November 5th 2018 12:00 AM

“ALL OK.:)” ! UKU is only 1000 miles behind Mark. The Estonian who has also passed through very bad weather in the Tasman Sea is now entering the Pacific Océan!
Its progression towards the east promises to be fast the next few days but a zone of high pressure in formation in its south in 4 days could generate head winds …

November 2nd 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is about to finish the crossing of the Tasman Sea and is diving to the southeast to try and escape the violent storm that is catching up on him and that should strike him in the next twenty hours … “ALL OK. :)”

November 1st 2018 12:00 AM

“ALL OK. PURE SAILING.:) “ But A HUGE NW/SW storm with 55/65kt winds and 12mtr plus seas is about to sweep through the Fleet. Uku Randmaa Golden Globe Race 2018 I running fast as possible in a SE direction to hope the worst passes just above him when it reaches New Zealand in a few days.

October 30th 2018 12:00 AM

“ALL OK.:)” Certainly UKU has not yet to complain lodged between Tasmania and New Zealand, but things could get complicated by 2 days. A nasty depression is forming in Western Australia and should strengthen as it moves south of the continent, before reaching its greatest strength this Saturday, November 3, heading to the Tasman Sea.
UKU will therefore be the most exposed skipper, and despite an alert sent by GGR Race Control, he will not really have any alternative but to face this very bad weather. Winds over 50 knots are expected (which suppose gusts much more violent) and a huge sea which will not stop building up as it gets closer to the south of New Zealand, below which it will have to pass …

October 29th 2018 12:00 AM

“IT WAS NICE TO BE IN HOBART BUT NICE TO BEE ON SEE AS WELL.:).
After the quick stop of UKU this weekend, who has not hidden its pleasure to see some familiar faces, without spending more than 90 minutes imposed by the rules of the race. A few barnacles are developing on the hull, observed in numbers last weekend, these organisms proliferate visibly easily on some sailboats of the race. A wound for the average speed of the competitors impacted, still halfway through. The presence of these parasites will significantly increase the time spent at sea, because the speed of boats could be affected by more than one knot at the fastest pace, not to mention that these unwanted passengers have not finished developing …

October 26th 2018 12:00 AM

“SOUTH WEST CAPE ON THE SIDE.:)”.
Uku is expected in a few hours in Storrmbay, for his mandatory stopover at the Hobart Drop point in Tasmania. 3rd in the race, he seems impatient and in great shape. He sailed well on his boat so far, that he had not had much time to test à lot before his departure, and that he now has well in hand.
Already a very good half-circumnavigation for the estonien!

October 24th 2018 12:00 AM

Still in third place, Uku is only 230 miles from the mandatory gate. He has just dived south to take the benefice of tonight’s depression that will allow him to accelerate his approach to Boatshed.com Drop Point at Hobart where he is expected Friday, October 26 at 5 pm UTC. Soon the return to a little greenery and civilization for the Estonian!
Uku is looking forward to it : “LIGHT W WIND CAN NOT KEEP SPEED UP.HOPE TOMORROW WILL BE BETTER:)”

October 17th 2018 12:00 AM

“100% SAILING 24H IN 7 DAYS AT WEEK.ALL OK.:)”.
250 miles ahead of Susie, Uku was encouraged by GGR Race Control to head north, as a short but severe storm is expected to develop much more dangerously than previously predicted. Winds of 55 knots with gusts to 70 are expected, in a very confused sea generated by the rapid rotation of the winds… This nasty system currently foring behind him, will also catch up, but One and All should avoid the worst part of it…

October 12th 2018 12:00 AM

“ALL IS UNDER CONTROL ON ONE AND ALL.:)”.
At almost 2400 miles behind the leader, the troubles of the second the Dutch giant make UKU RANDMAA business. At the approach of Cape Leeuwin, he nibbles every day a little more nautical miles. And this should increase with the reinforcement of these downwinds that will allow him to slide in the right direction, full east, without being worried by a big depression growing further west.

October 10th 2018 12:00 AM

“EASY SAILING IN LIGHT NE WIND.THE SPEED IS LOW BUT…:)” Uku is still in third place, 600 miles from Mark Slats, despite the calms of last week .
Indeed, if downwinds remains light for the moment, the next few days promise big changes. A series of depressions is approaching from behind the fleet.
Uku #Randmaa (via satellite) “HEADING TO E WITH LIGHT N WIND.BUT THERE WILL BE CHANGES.:)” he wrote this morning.

October 8th 2018 12:00 AM

After a good week-end for Uku, “NICE WEEKEND SAILING ON SOUTHERN OCEAN.FULL MAIN AND GENOA.:)”, the week is starting very slowly, 550 miles from the Dutch giant, at 0.4 knot! “No wind … :-(” says his last message … laconic The Estonian has yet not to blush about his trajectory since the start, but the weather is not. The way to Tasmania is riddled with bubbles of high pressure and headwinds.

October 2nd 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA, in third position at 2150NM from the leader, the Estonian appreciates the small northwesterly wind of about fifteen knots that pushes him downwind. But he too should see a big, windless bubble develop over the next two days. He told us on the phone: “Little wind, the boat is OK. On the radio with Mark and Susie every day. I’m still about twenty days from Hobart.” This morning he is progressing at moderate speed in the middle of these unusual calm of the Indian Ocean. Uku #Randmaa (via satellite) NOT FAST BUT MOVING TO RIGHT DIRECTION.:)”; “TODAY WE HAVE NICE SAILING CONTITIONS.NW-14KN:)”.

September 29th 2018 12:00 AM

Mark’s lead over UKU RANDMAA is still a little more than 600 miles. The Estonian now third, if he progresses for the moment well downwind, he will see a bubble of high pressure catching up on One and All from the south and soon generating headwinds that will slow its progression also.
“ALL OK ON ONE AND ALL.BEST REGARDS FROM US.:)”

September 26th 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA, now third 660 miles behind Mark Slats. The Estonian skipper who had curved his course to eventually assist his two fellow passengers passes this morning just below the incident area.
“WE PAST AMSTERDAM SO HALF WAY ON INDIAN OCEAN IS DONE :)”
But the two sailors are safe and he can now continue on his way, in a good vein of southerly wind that pushes him fully East at 5 knots average. Soon caught up by a band of low pressure, he will then benefit from a good northwesterly flow that would propels him fully East at a good speed.

September 24th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku, who tried to help Abhilash in distress, made his way as quickly as possible to the area, and offering to lend a spinnaker pole to Gregor who also dismasted to reinforce his jury rig. Both of them were finally evacuated this morning, a 100 miles ahead of One and All position. Uku #Randmaa (via satellite) “SORRY FOR GREGOR AND ABILASH.HOPE ALL WILL END WELL.:)”. Uku, reassured but still shocked, continues on his way, having gained ground this weekend, and took over the 3rd place of the provisional overall ranking of the GGR. Indeed, after the dismasting of Abhilash and Gregor, Uku is now positionned behind Mark SLATS still 600 miles away in front of him.

September 20th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku #Randmaa (via satellite) I m so lonely here in middle of nowhere… ”
Right in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Alone…Around 2300 NM away from the Cap of Good Hope behind him, and 2300 NM to the Cap Leeuwin ! Still in 5th position, the isolation is starting to be felt aboard One and All. At 300 NM behind Grégor and Tapio, he is also ahead of Susie by 700 NM! There is no rivalry to deal with at the moment for Uku, and communications and radio sessions with GGR fellows are probably not so easy anymore due to distances separating him from the other boats.

September 19th 2018 12:00 AM

Last weekend the Estonian Uku Randmaa reported “30-50KT. LAST 24H. NOT NICE WEEKEND SAILING WEATHER” and in a follow-up call to Race HQ today added that his Rustler 36 One and All had been hit by a big wave that had burst the spray dodger and buckled the frame. However, yesterday was (via satellite) “GOOD SAILING CONDITIONS TODAY WITH 15KN NW . 🙂 ” ; “TODAY ARE GOOD SAILING CONDITIONS FOR REAPERING AND REST. 🙂 ” ;
“ALL OK. 🙂 ”

September 14th 2018 12:00 AM

Fortunately, MARK SLATS, GREGOR MCGUCKIN, ABHILASH TOMY and UKU RANDMAA will benefit from good northerly winds that will turn west a bit tomorrow and push them hard in the right direction. Uku is calmer and quieter this week, very occupied on the boat, and the physical and psychological challenge is gradually going up … facing harsh and changing weather conditions: (via satellite) “YESTERDAY NO WIND FOR 12H.TODAY WIND AGAINST.:)” ; “IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.JUST SAME ALBADROS AROUND.:)”.
But equal to himself, even its shortest comment remains positive!

September 10th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku #Randmaa (via satellite) “YESTERDAY WAS 7H NO WIND AND THEN IN 5 MIN 30KNOTS:)”.Still in the lead peloton that is trying to catch up on Mark Slats, Uku lost some ground on Abhilash and Gregor, but still more than 700 NM ahead of Susie.But “ALL OK.:)”.

September 6th 2018 12:00 AM

“His highness Southern Ocean. My respect!”A little further south, UKU RANDMAA has been slowed, at the high edge of another area of weak winds that will soon be filled by a southerly wind, which should drop again the temperature! “THE WIND CHANGED TO SW AND IT IS COLDER HERE.:)”

September 3rd 2018 12:00 AM

UKU RANDMAA is carried by a powerful current of nearly three knots and the wind blows three quarter rear … ideal conditions for speed. Uku has almost caught up with Gregor!

August 29th 2018 12:00 AM

“WE ARE OK(THE BOAT AND ME)SORY ABOT ARE!HE IS GOOD SAILOR ANYWAY”In the wake of Are WIIG, UKU RANDMAA has voluntarily curved its road to the south to get closer to less than two miles from Olleanna’s route after Are’s Knockdown. But the Norwegian sailor does not need any assistance at the moment and UKU is back on track in racing this morning, in 4th position. He should round Cape Town by tomorrow!

August 27th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku has spent a weekend for the least hectic … and a current could well make the progress difficult, and lift a dangerous sea on its trajectory in the next days …Uku, in 5th position, reports this morning that it has already 35 knots of wind and that it might pick up, One and All already sailing at more than 7 knots today! He says that everything is fine on board, despite an uncomfortable latitude of 37 degrees.”(Via satellite) EVRYTHING IS OK, :)”

August 17th 2018 12:00 AM

Over the east UKU is currently OK “BEATING AGAINST THE WIND.BUT I M HAPPY.:)”. At 5.6kts again on a good course and slowly pulling away from that middle group, he may make some more gains in the next 24hrs moving into stronger following winds ahead of the others!. However, he wrote : “THE WIND AND SEA STATE ARE GOOD.I M OK.”

August 13th 2018 12:00 AM

For UKU RANDMAA who is still ahead of TAPIO LEHTINEN, the descent to the south should continue with the benefice of wind whose angle will be more and more favorable in the coming days. Uku reports to the GGR HQ this morning during his weekly Satphonecall for safety, a small electric fire but that everything is fine now.

August 10th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku has been in good position (3d/4th) in the overall ranking for the last week, but just behind Are Wiig and Mark Slats back from the west put him in 5th place today. UKU is doing the best is can with very localized weather, bordering on another little doldrum system. He should do ok though with constant sailing wind forecast for the next few days. He reported to Race Control on his weekly phone call that sailing conditions are “not easy”, and “ many little things to fix on his boat”.

August 7th 2018 12:00 AM

The eastern mob, which was led yesterday by UKU RANDMAA, is led this morning by TAPIO LEHTINEN, followed by UKU, ARE WIIG, SUSIE GOODALL, the most westerly, and IGOR ZARETSKIY, slightly further. All are sliding in a south-southeast flow that should accompany them for a few days and even allow a progressive incurvation to the east. Remains that a high pressure strip has been announced on their trajectory in the 3 coming days. It will be necessary not to soften to pass without difficulty. By maintaining its average pace of 4 knots and its course, will Uku be back on the 3rd step of the podium in the next few days?

August 3rd 2018 12:00 AM

Uku RANDMAA, 6th of the GGR fleet last week, crossed the equator on August the 1st, just a month after his departure. Now out of the Doldrums, he still leads the pack, followed by a little less than 30 miles by Susie GOODALL, and has just climbed on the third step of the podium overall! In his latest text and audio messages, Uku really seems to enjoy this adventure aboard One and All.

July 20th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku has slipped back in the fleet from his heady days jousting with the front runners. In a lovely show of sportsmanship Uku called up Tapio on the radio, to get him out of his bunk, with news that the wind had filled in. He is ever the gentleman and while reporting that he is struggling for wind he appears in good spirits.

July 13th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku sailed into the film drop at dawn. In his gentle manner he said the boat was performing well but that he had forgotten to buy coffee or tea. He usually has two or three coffee a day, so this is a harsh coffee detox. Uku has used a combination of celestial and positions from ships but found the radio direction finder particularly handy on the Lanzarote landfall.
He reports enjoying the company of Susie and has genuine admiration for Are’s performance.

July 11th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku has continued to stay in touch with the front runners. If he is doing this with as much ease as it seems, then he is ready to push forward if the leaders crash.

July 6th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku, the quiet understated sailor

Uku, the quiet understated sailor from the Baltic, has sailed well to be up at the front of the fleet. He is clearly one to watch as the race develops.

April 5th 2018 12:00 AM

Uku Randmaa plans to return to Les Sables d’Olonne on April 9 for a week of sailing trials with his Rustler 36 One and All and to check up on work carried out in his absence to fit a watertight bulkhead. He also has new sails to test and a new liferaft to install.
“I have been very busy getting my radio licences and medical examinations completed. I didn’t realise just how much paperwork has to be completed before sailing off around the world!
I hope to spend another week on the boat in May to doing more trial sailing before returning to Les Sables d’Olonne again in June to sail over to Falmouth for the Suhaili 50 Parade of Sail.”