When learning to sail includes the world

The Global Solo Challenge is a single-handed, non-stop round the world yachting event, and for the second edition on 2027-28, among the early entrants is Sam Glover  who recently won the solo division of the transatlantic “World’s Toughest Row”.

Where does your passion for sailing come from?
My passion for the ocean isn’t about being a seasoned sailor; it’s rooted in my love for adventure and respect for the sea. Rowing solo across the Atlantic was the most humbling, physically grueling experience I’ve ever faced.

I learned that understanding the ocean, its rhythm, and the elements was often more important than physical strength or technical skills. The ocean teaches you to surrender and find joy even in hardship.

I might be the least experienced in this challenge, but I’m driven by my connection to the sea and the adventure that awaits. For me, this challenge is about embracing the unknown, tapping into resilience, and finding peace in solitude, all while testing the limits of what’s possible.

What lessons have you learnt from sailing?
The Atlantic row taught me that respect for the sea is the greatest asset. You can’t fight the ocean—you have to move with it. When my jaw locked, my auto-helm broke, and I pushed through with a broken shoulder, I realized resilience was more important than anything.

The greatest lesson was finding balance between preparation and adaptability. You can plan, but you must also react in the moment and trust your instincts. Keeping things simple and embracing the unexpected is how you move forward. It’s not just about overcoming the physical hurdles but about developing a mindset of adaptability and calm in the face of chaos.

What brought you to like single-handed sailing?
Although I haven’t yet sailed long solo passages, my solo Atlantic row showed me the beauty of solitude on the ocean. There is something magical about the infinite scale of the moments you have alone at sea, the stars, the moon rises and sunsets.

The Global Solo Challenge is a race against time for me. I’ll have to balance the demands of my business while preparing to become self-sufficient on the water. The magic of being at one with the sea and elements drives me, but the responsibility is mine alone.

I didn’t expect to be the fastest solo rower, but I surprised myself, and now I’m ready for the next challenge. It’s about the personal test of navigating isolation and pushing through challenges on my own terms.

What prompted you to sign up for this event?
Watching the finishers of the first Global Solo Challenge, I felt so inspired which drove an undeniable pull. I’ve faced immense physical and mental challenges before, but this feels like a new frontier. I don’t expect to win—I didn’t expect to win my Atlantic row either—but it’s the journey that draws me.

The challenge of preparing, of racing against time to learn what I need, is something I’m ready for. This is not just about testing my limits; it’s about seeing how far I can push myself and what comes next. It’s about proving that through relentless effort, we can achieve things we never thought possible.

How do you plan to prepare for this event?
The preparation starts now, and I have a long way to go. My race begins with learning to sail an ocean-racing boat, mastering navigation, and racing. But my challenge is twofold—I also need to delegate responsibility for my business so I can focus fully on the race.

With the help of my team and those close to me, I’ll participate in races and major passages to get familiar with my boat and learn to make critical decisions under pressure. I’ve been here before—overcoming impossible challenges—and I’m ready to take this on. This journey is as much about growth as it is about the race itself.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge for me is staying the course. Not just getting to the start line prepared, but balancing the demands of my business and personal life along the way. The ocean is humbling; isolation can be tough; I’ve faced it before but not nearly on this scale.

The challenge isn’t just physical—it’s about managing the mental strain and staying resilient. The support of my team, my family, and those around me will be key to helping me finish. I know this will be a true test, but I’m ready for whatever the ocean offers. It’s a test of my capacity to juggle the dual worlds of business and extreme endurance adventure.

Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.
I’ve been advised that a Class40 would be a great choice for this challenge. It’s fast, reliable, and simple enough for someone still learning the ropes. For me, it’s important to strike the right balance between speed and simplicity.

My focus is on learning quickly and being as efficient as possible, and the Class40 seems to be the best fit for this journey. As I prepare, my aim is to get familiar with the boat and make it my partner for the challenge ahead.

Details: https://globalsolochallenge.com

The inaugural Global Solo Challenge 2023-24 sought to be a budget-friendly solo, non-stop race around the world. Using a pursuit format, 20 entrants from 34 to 70 feet had start times between August 26 to January 6 from A Coruña, Spain, with the first boat to return deemed the winner. The second edition has moved the start and finish line along the Spanish coast from A Coruña to Vigo for the 2027-28 race.

Source: GSC