Please select your home edition
Edition
X-Yachts Leaderboard 2024 3

Juan Merediz retires from the Global Solo Challenge

by Margherita Pelaschier / Global Solo Challenge 14 Nov 2023 14:18 GMT 14 November 2023
Juan Merediz - Sorolla - Global Solo Challenge 2023 © GSC / Pep Portas

Juan Merediz officially announced his withdrawal from the Global Solo Challenge on November 11th due to autopilot issues. The skipper had already directed the bow of his Class40 Sorolla towards the Mediterranean three days earlier, hinting at his decision.

After departing on October 29th for his solo round-the-world sailing journey, along with six other skippers, in challenging sea and wind conditions, he began sailing at a good pace. Only two days in, he had moved to the front of the group that had started together, but soon his boat began experiencing technical problems, mainly with the mainsail halyard and autopilot.

After stopping at anchor in Sagres and in the bay of Lagos, it seemed he had solved the halyard issue and made one of the two autopilots on board operational, a crucial aid for solo navigation.

"We are back on course. After three days of work to fix the autopilot and mainsail halyard, which were the most important in the long list of repairs, I believe that now almost everything is in order. It remains to test and see if the solutions I applied to the pilot, where I made one out of two pilots and two rams, are effective. The mainsail halyard is now fixed, so... we were wounded, but not dead.

"I am here, strong and determined, Sorolla is here and we continue to sail towards the Canary Islands. Come on, Sorolla! I have done everything possible, now it remains to be seen if it will be enough. Safety is my priority. Let's see how the pilot responds and if it goes well, then forward, because without it, we cannot proceed," Juan Merediz shared.

Sorolla resumed the competition, albeit weakened. On November 5th, the organization confirmed that, along with Cole Brauer's First Light and Philippe Delamare's Mowgli, it was among the fastest boats of the previous 24 hours. Merediz was in third place with 190 miles covered, an excellent daily run.

However, just two days later, the autopilot of Sorolla failed again, forcing Merediz to make the difficult decision to withdraw.

Continue reading the full article here...

Related Articles

Ronnie Simpson returns to Global Solo Challenge
Already rounding all three of the Great Capes will aid him in 2027-2028 event We are incredibly pleased to welcome back Ronnie Simpson as an entrant in the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. His participation in the 2023-2024 edition left an indelible mark on the event and its global following. Posted on 19 Feb
Pablo Gonzalez Parodi enters Global Solo Challenge
A highly experienced sailor with over 100,000 nautical miles under his belt The Global Solo Challenge continues to attract passionate and determined sailors from around the world, and we are thrilled to welcome our 14th entrant, Pablo Gonzalez Parodi. Posted on 11 Feb
Ivan Dimov returns to the Global Solo Challenge
Originally from Bulgaria and now residing in Tuscany, he epitomizes the spirit of the race As new incredible speed records are being set at the Vendée Globe on the latest generation foiling IMOCAs, non-elite sailors and those unable to assemble massive budgets inevitably seek alternatives. Posted on 13 Jan
Dealtry Pickford signs up for the GSC 2027-2028
Global Solo Challenge is thrilled to welcome the Cape Town sailor The Global Solo Challenge is thrilled to welcome Cape Town sailor Dealtry Pickford to the lineup for the 2027-2028 edition. Posted on 24 Dec 2024
Sylvain Canet enters the Global Solo Challenge
He discovered his love for the sea and sailing as a young boy Following Italian skipper Marcello Queirolo's recent entry, Sylvain, a seasoned sailor with over 50 years of experience, brings his lifelong passion and expertise to the event. Posted on 20 Dec 2024
Marcello Queirolo enters the Global Solo Challenge
It is proving to be one of the most accessible and internationally diverse solo sailing events It's been an incredibly busy time behind the scenes at the Global Solo Challenge (GSC), as the event continues to gain remarkable momentum. Posted on 19 Dec 2024
Sam Glover enters the Global Solo Challenge
His entry marks an important moment in a personal journey to push his limits We are thrilled to announce the entry of British sailor Sam Glover into the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. Sam, who lives and works in London, joins the list of skippers officially entered in the next exciting edition. Posted on 12 Sep 2024
Fraser Flight enters the Global Solo Challenge
Bringing a wealth of knowledge and a strong determination to the race We're excited to announce that Fraser Flight, an experienced professional mariner, has officially joined the lineup for the Global Solo Challenge (GSC) 2027-2028, becoming the 8th confirmed participant in the second edition of the event. Posted on 28 Aug 2024
GSC 2027 Presentation and Press Conference
At the Real Club Náutico de Vigo on Tuesday I am excited to invite you to the Real Club Náutico de Vigo for the presentation of the 2027-2028 edition of the Global Solo Challenge from its new host city of Vigo and its new host port and partner, the Real Club Náutico de Vigo. Posted on 22 Jul 2024
Louis Robein's humble triumph
The inspiring and unstoppable sailor wins hearts in the Global Solo Challenge When Louis Robein sailed into A Coruna, clean-shaven and relaxed, it was easy to mistake him for a sailor returning from a gentle Sunday sail. Posted on 6 Jul 2024