Solo sailor Renaud Stitelmann of Switzerland is scheduled to be the first to lead the fleet into the Vuda Marina, Lautoka, this weekend.

He is part of the historic McIntyre mini globe race, which will make a stopover at the Vuda Marina, end of Leg 2, after 12,000 nautical miles (13 months) of gruelling sailing from Portugal, since December last year.

This is the world-first sailing challenge, 15 solo sailors from eight countries are navigating identical 5.8-metre (19-foot) self-built plywood yachts around the globe.

Vuda Marina Fiji general manager and chief executive officer, Adam Wade, said this is also Fiji’s first-ever around-the-world yacht race stopover.

“This is an extraordinary adventure in unique little boats that amaze everyone who sees them,” he said.

“These skilled solo sailors are an inspiration, and we’re proud to partner with this growing international event.”

He added that the unprecedented challenge – competitors are racing in tiny, home-built, identical plywood ALMA Globe 580 boatsmany built in garages and backyards across 37 countries.

Race organiser Don McIntyre said, “After four years of planning and five months at sea, the sailors are thrilled to reach the beautiful Vuda Marina. Fiji’s legendary hospitality and culture will be a welcome respite before their next daunting leg.”

He added that there is a diverse mix of men and women, young and old, from all walks of life-united by a dream of extreme adventure.

They’ve battled the world’s toughest oceans and are eager to experience Fiji’s beauty, culture, and warm hospitality.

The McIntyre MGR is one of three unique events around the world organised by Australian adventurer Don McIntyre (currently in VUDA Marina, available for interviews) and Ocean Frontiers Pty Ltd.

After Fiji, the sailors depart on July 26, heading across Australia’s northern coast into the treacherous Southern Ocean, aiming for Cape Town, South Africa, by Christmas.

Meanwhile, the McIntyre Mini Globe Race is a world-first event and has never been attempted by Mini Ocean racers. The course around the world celebrates the 75th Anniversary and follows in the footsteps of John Guzzwell, who in 1955 set off in his home-built 20ft timber yacht Trekka to become the first ever ‘mini yacht[‘ to sail around the world.

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