Irish grandad to attempt non-stop solo voyage of globe

Pat Lawless, a 70-year-old grandfather from Kerry, has bid farewell to his family and friends as he sets out on a daring solo voyage to attempt the Golden Globe yacht race. The grueling, around-the-world race, often dubbed the "Voyage for Madmen," is a non-stop, solo circumnavigation of the globe covering 30,000 nautical miles. Lawless, a 30-year veteran sailor, is hoping to become the first Irish person to successfully complete the challenging race.

This is Lawless' second attempt at the Golden Globe, having been forced to abandon the race in 2022 when his boat's self-steering failed. The veteran sailor is confident in his boat's ability to withstand the test of the race. He acknowledges the high attrition rate, with only a small fraction of participants finishing in previous races.

The financial burden of the race is substantial, with modifications, equipment, and entry fees exceeding €120,000. The remaining funds were raised through local business donations and fundraising events in Kerry and Limerick.

If Lawless manages to stay in the race, he will spend nearly 10 months alone at sea, battling the physical and mental challenges that come with the race. His son, Tony, believes that Pat's experience from the 2022 race will prove invaluable. Local residents gathered on the pier in Daingean Uí Chúis to bid farewell to the determined sailor, with many coming from Pat's native Limerick.

Séamus Ó Lúing, a longtime friend of Lawless, praises his courage and seafaring knowledge as traits that will serve him well in the race. Máire Ní Dhálaigh, whose family is from the Blasket Islands, emphasizes the solitary nature of the race and the challenges of being completely alone for such a long period, particularly in the absence of modern equipment.

Lawless hopes to raise €50,000 for Parkinson's Ireland, a cause close to his heart as his wife Rita is living with the neurological disorder. This marks the fourth Golden Globe Race in its history, with the first successful solo nonstop unassisted voyage completed by Robin Knox Johnston in 1968.