Professional mariner Fraser Flight enters the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028

by Global Solo Challenge 28 Aug 16:25 BST

UK/Zimbabwe professional mariner Fraser Flight © Fraser Flight

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.

With over 80,000 nautical miles of professional experience on both sailing and motor boats, Fraser brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong determination to the GSC. Whilst growing up in landlocked Zimbabwe, Fraser was inspired to start sailing by his grandfather and eventually decided to pursue a career in the yachting industry. Fraser is looking to buy an Open 40 that he will campaign from the UK, demonstrating his deep connection to both his sport and his heritage.

The Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028, which kicks off in Vigo, Galicia, Spain, is building up to be an exciting event drawing in some of the most committed and passionate sailors from around the world. The entry process for this second edition requires a greater upfront commitment than in the first edition meaning each entry is fully committed to the project when applying rather than registering an early interest. More than a 100 skippers have contacted the GSC with many working in the background and looking to announce their entry further down the road.

As we count down to the race's start, all point to a second edition in 2027-2028 that will feature a remarkable group of sailors, each bringing their unique stories and approaches to the competition. Fraser's involvement adds yet another exciting chapter to this event, and we look forward to following his journey.

Keep an eye out for more updates as we continue to introduce the incredible sailors taking part in this extraordinary challenge. We will be announcing a further confirmed entry soon: the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the sailing world.

About the skipper:

Name: Fraser Flight
Nationality: GBR/ZWE
Lives: Harare, Zimbabwe
Born in: 1995
Miles at sea: 80.000+

Fraser Flight - photo © Fraser Flight

Where does your passion for sailing come from?

My passion for sailing began at a very young age. My grandfather was a sailor in his youth crossing the pacific and Indian oceans, his stories inspired me as a small child and we sailed dozens of boats throughout my childhood on farm dams and inland lakes. Through my teenage years I competed in several dinghy classes, some at international level. I pursued a career as a professional sailor delivering sail yachts across the south Atlantic after leaving school and then transitioned into an Officers role on motor yachts and have progressed in the 10+ years since. Continuing to race and cruise everything from dinghies to cruisers to racing monohulls in the USA, Mediterranean, Caribbean and UK waters all while working on my classic wooden project yacht kept at home in Zimbabwe.

What lessons have you learnt from sailing?

Sailing and my time at sea has taught me so many practical lessons in life it is hard to put them into just words. I have learnt of the camaraderie and friendship that is unparalleled amongst sailors. I have learnt frugality and respect for the World and Oceans by needing to take only what you need while offshore and protecting the Oceans in the process. By far the most outstanding lessons I have learnt is the ability to problem solve in unknown situations and to be able to be flexible in stressful situations and use the challenges of the sea and weather to my advantage. Through my career and studies I have learnt all traditional and modern methods of navigation and the advantages this knowledge can provide while racing around the world.

What brought you to like single-handed sailing?

The self reliance and challenge to overcome the unique challenges posed by single handed sailing are the biggest reasons I gravitate towards this demanding sport. The silence and beauty of being truly alone in nature, whether that be in the calmest sea or a raging storm. The ability to be present in and use the forces of nature to reach my goal brings me a feeling of extreme accomplishment and I find true peace being alone in a vast ocean of unknown challenges ahead.

What prompted you to sign up for this event?

The GSC appealed to me as it is an opportunity to sail the route around the world that I have wanted to complete since I was a teenager, while doing it in an organised fleet and within the margin of safety that provides with having other sailors closer than any commercial vessels if catastrophe were to strike. The professionalism and track record of success of the GSC has drawn me as opposed to other organized events.

How do you plan to prepare for this event?

I plan to attract sponsors to my cause to represent Zimbabwe as a landlocked country in a significant sailing achievement. I will be looking to promote Zimbabwe and the people of this proud country. I am currently searching for the boat that I will sail around the world in and prepare her using help from my large network of contacts in the yachting industry. I will be training and logging as many miles in the boat while sailing from the UK as I can ahead of the start in 2027.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?

I think one of the biggest challenges will come before the race getting the boat and myself to the start line sufficiently prepared for the marathon ahead.

In the race the biggest challenges will be managing the fatigue from of lack of sleep while trying to safely push the boat (and myself) to circumnavigate the globe in a respectable time. Cape Horn stands as the biggest challenge and navigating the low pressure systems in the South Atlantic safely to begin the run north through the atlantic to the finish line.

Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.

I aim to procure an open 40, 50 or maybe even 60, although my preferred size is an open 40 to ensure I am able to manage the complexity of the boat (which will be set up for offshore racing) with the need to keep myself and the boat safe in heavy weather and ensure every system and structure is robust and appropriate for me and my skill set.

Do you intend to link this personal challenge to a social cause?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I may seem to be an underdog in terms of racing experience amongst the entrants, but I make up for this with decades of experience at sea along with a practical mind and a deep understanding and love of the unique challenges posed by solo sailing.

Sailing experience