Pat Lawless, a Kerry sailor is hoping to become the first Irish person to complete the around-the-world Golden Globe yacht race, having missed out with his first attempt four years ago.
Lawless, a grandfather, was in third place in the race-boat, before his self steering on his boat failed, just two and a half months into his voyage.
Often referred to as the 'Voyage for Madmen', this race lasts for 30,000 nautical miles, and sees participants attempt this non-stop, solo circumnavigation of the globe, and is one of the most testing races in the world, from both a physical and mental perspective.
"I was gutted in 2022 when the self-steering failed," Mr Lawless said. "I was in a really good position to challenge for the lead heading into the Southern Ocean, but there was no way I could compete without the self-steering mechanism and I had to abandon the race. I tried to fix it, but I couldn’t. It was a huge low".
In this race, Mr Lawless and his competitors will not be allowed to stop to dock, or seek any outside assistance. They will also be restricted to 1968 technology, in keeping with the spirit of the first Golden Globe race. Communication with family or friends is also prohibited.
In 2022, only three of the 17 entrants finished the race, which was eventually won by South African woman, Kirsten Neuschafer.
In fact, this is the fourth Golden Globe Race to take place in the event's history, with Robin Knox Johnston becoming the first man to sail solo, non stop and unassisted around the globe in 1968. He was one of just nine competitors to finish that race, with the rest either sinking, retiring or dying.
Looking ahead, Mr Lawless, who hails from Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in West Kerry, said that his steering fail in 2022, means he has "unfinished business" with the competition.
"But I accepted it and I made up my mind that I had unfinished business", he stated. "This is one of the world’s greatest races. It’s a test of your ability as a sailor, but also it tests the body and the mind. It’s the longest, loneliest sports event in the world. But I’m energised by the challenge".
"Less people have sailed around the solo than have gone to space. It’s sailing by the seat of your pants, sailing in its purest form. No modern equipment", he added. "A bit like Captain Cooke did back in the day, using the sextant, sun and stars to navigate and the barometer to gauge weather".
This race will see Mr Lawless spend more than €120,000 on boat modifications, equipment and entry fees. His main sponsor for the event is Silvermines Hydro, a green energy company based in Tipperary, with the remainder being funded via local business and several fund raising events in West Kerry and his native Limerick.
Mr Lawless is hoping to raise €50,000 for Parkinson's Ireland, a cause which is close to his heart, as his wife Rita suffers with the neurological disorder.
"Rita is doing really well, thank God. She has a non-aggressive form of Parkinson’s. I wouldn’t be able to this without her. She’s with me every step of the way and has been so encouraging", he said. "She’s been down to the Canaries with me for my preparations over the winter. The charity aspect is a huge motivational part of this effort".
Mr Lawless went on to say that he feels a wonderful sense of pride to carry the Irish flag into one of the greatest challenges in sailing.
"I really feel I have a chance. I have the experience, I have the boat and I learnt so much from the last race", he said. "A ‘Voyage for Madmen’ might seem daft but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do".
"I’m not mad, maybe just a bit daft. It would be a dream to be the first Irish person to finish it, but I genuinely believe I have a chance of winning it".
This race will begin in Les Sables-d'Olonne on September 6, including 29 sailors and 10 countries entered.
