Another shorthanded race has arrived

While the Vendee Globe is for the big budget programs, there are other solo round the world races now providing an option for those with less funding:

• Fourth edition of Golden Globe Race starts in 2026
• Second edition of Solo Global Challenge starts in 2027

And now the Royal Western Yacht Club in Plymouth, UK announces the launch of another round the world yachting event, the WORLDSTAR.

This event is open to all solo and double handed boats between 35 and 60 feet that have done a 2000 nm qualification passage in the allotted timeframe. The WORLDSTAR course is to start from Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, around Antarctica to starboard, and return to Plymouth Sound for the finish.

“The Royal Western Yacht Club was the very first club to introduce short-handed and fully crewed offshore and oceanic racing,” reminded Commodore and Race Director, Chris Arscott. “We want to complete the offering by launching this unique and ultimate test of seamanship to complement the OSTAR, TWOSTAR, and the RB&I.”

The OSTAR is the original solo transatlantic race, and the TWOSTAR is for double handed teams on the same course. The RB&I race is for double handed and fully crewed teams around Britain and Ireland.

The RWYC have developed the WORLDSTAR to appeal to sailors who wish to complete a circumnavigation in their own boat, rating on IRC or non-rated, without the extensive qualification process or need to spend huge amounts of money.

“This is for the adventurer, for the sailor who inspires to the ultimate challenge… short-handed, non-stop, around the world via the three great capes,” explains Race ambassador and round the world sailor, Guy Waites. “An event with clear guidelines, an event to facilitate your dream in, quite possibly, the boat you already own.”

The WORLDSTAR start is scheduled to be on September 26, 2026.

Details: https://rwyc.org/worldstar/
Questions: rcoceanic@rwyc.org