Kerry sailor aiming to conquer solo race around globe

A Co Kerry grandfather is hoping to become the first Irish person to complete one of the world's toughest and most dangerous sailboat races, after missing out on his first attempt four years ago.

Pat Lawless was in third-place in the the around-the-world Golden Globe yacht race in 2022, but the self-steering on his boat failed two-and-a-half months into his voyage.

The solo challenge often referred to as the 'Voyage for Madmen’ sees competitors attempt a non-stop, solo circumnavigation of the globe.

The 30,000 nautical mile voyage is regarded as one of the most testing races in the world, both physically and mentally.

"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."

Mr Lawless and his fellow competitors will not be permitted to dock during the race and they cannot seek any outside assistance.

In keeping with the spirit of the first Golden Globe race, sailors will also be restricted to 1968 technology. Communication with family or friends during the nine-month solo voyage is also prohibited.

The 70-year-old carpenter from Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in west Kerry is entering the race for the second time.

Only three boats from the 17 entrants managed to finish the 2022 Golden Globe, with South African woman Kirsten Neuschafer victorious.

"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."

He added: "But I accepted it and I made up my mind that I had unfinished business.

"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.

"A bit like Captain Cooke did back in the day, using the sextant, sun and stars to navigate and the barometer to gauge weather."

Boat modifications, purchase of equipment and entry fees will set Mr Lawless back over €120,000.

He has managed to secure the support of Tipperary-based green energy company Silvermines Hydro as the main sponsor for his boat.

The remainder of the finance is being raised through local businesses and a series of fund-raising events in west Kerry and his native Limerick.

Mr Lawless is also hoping to raise €50,000 for Parkinson’s Ireland. The cause is close to his heart as his wife, Rita, is living 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.

"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 said.

This is just the fourth Golden Globe Race in the history of the event.

In 1968, Robin Knox Johnston became the first man to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.

He was the only one of nine competitors to finish in that inaugural race. The rest either sank, retired or died.

The race will begin in Les Sables-d’Olonne on 6 September and 29 sailors from 10 countries have entered.

Mr Lawless said it’s a source of great pride to be carrying the Irish tricolour into one of sailing’s great challenges.

"I really feel I have a chance. I have the experience, I have the boat and I learnt so much from the last race.

"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," he said.