Ronnie Simpson returns to the Global Solo Challenge

by Marco Nannini / Global Solo Challenge 19 Feb 11:04 GMT

Ronnie Simpson - Koloa Maoli - Owen Clarke Design Class40 © Global Solo Challenge

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.

Ronnie had rounded all three of the Great Capes and held 3rd place for the best part of the circumnavigation. After Cape Horn he was sailing north in the South Atlantic chased by a severe storm due to bring horrible seas when he lept off the top of a wave and his mast unexpectedly collapsed upon landing. The ensuing hours were extremely difficult for Ronnie, he needed to secure his boat which was at risk of being damaged by the broken rig. The assessment of the situation unfortunately led him to take an incredibly painful decision, Ronnie was forced to request a rescue and abandon his boat.

Now, with renewed determination and a new campaign, Ronnie becomes the 15th confirmed skipper for the upcoming edition. He recently bought the Class40 #15 from David Linger who concluded the GSC2023 in 6th place. This Owen Clarke Design built in 2006 comes from the same mould as Cole Brauer's First Light which may return to the GSC skippered by Australian sailor Elizabeth Tucker, Ari Kansakoski's ZeroChallenge and Dealtry Pickford's Metric 4T. Ronnie has picked a proven and reliable boat at the foundation of his second GSC campaign.

Ronnie's extensive offshore experience, combined with his natural storytelling abilities, promises to once again capture the imagination of the sailing community. His return brings with it a sense of unfinished business and an infectious enthusiasm that reminds us all of the raw, human side of this extraordinary challenge.

In the following interview, Ronnie shares his thoughts on the lessons learned from his previous campaign, his motivations for coming back, and his goals for the journey ahead. We are delighted to have him back on the start line and look forward to following his progress as he prepares to face the oceans once more.

About The skipper

Name: Ronnie Simpson
Nationality: USA
Lives: Portland, Maine, USA
Born in: 1985
Miles sailed: 175.000+

Where does your passion for sailing come from?

I found sailing in my early 20s and was immediately captivated by the freedom and travel, as well as the connection to nature and the elements that it represented. As I become more exposed to the sport, I became both an avid racing sailor and cruising sailor. I first discovered the Vendée Globe in 2008, and have been captivated by it ever since. I have continued to pursue solo and crewed racing, as well as cruising ever since. I have worked in the sailing industry since 2010.

What lessons have you learnt from sailing?

Sailing has taught me so much. It has continually offered me inspiration in life and reminded me that anything is possible. Sailing has taught me to dream. Sailing has also taught me how powerful Mother Nature can be, and to have a significant respect for the elements, while also learning that almost any task or problem can have a reasonable solution.

What brought you to like single-handed sailing?

Discovering the Vendée Globe in 2008 was a major life moment for me. Nothing has ever captivated me so much, and made me say "I want to do that", like the Vendée Globe. To that effect, I began competing in solo sailing races in San Francisco in 2010, and I raced solo to Hawaii twice in 2010 and 2012. I did a lot of solo cruising around the Pacific in my 20s and 30s, and was eventually afforded an opportunity to race in the 2023 GSC, which re-ignited my passion for solo around the world racing.

What prompted you to sign up for this event?

I competed in the first GSC in 2023, and was sailing in third place for most of the event. About 80% of the way around the world, and past Cape Horn, I dismasted off of Argentina and lost my Open 50 Shipyard Brewing, and was unable to finish the GSC. Now I have some unfinished business, and it is very important to me to be on the startling line in 2027 to finish what I started.

How do you plan to prepare for this event?

I have purchased Class 40 #15 Koloa Maoli in early 2025, and I plan to begin training in the Spring of 2025 in Portland, Maine and off the east coast of the USA. Dependent on budget, we will conduct a winter refit at the end of 2025 or end of 2026. I hope to be ahead of the curve and complete a qualifier in 2026 and spend 2027 really fine tuning and optimizing the platform, campaign and skipper.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?

Finding the required funding to mount a proper effort.

Ronnie Simpson - Koloa Maoli - Owen Clarke Design Class40 - photo © Global Solo Challenge

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

I have recently purchased Class 40 #15 Koloa Maoli located in Portland, Maine. This boat sailed around the world with David Linger in the first Global Solo Challenge. It is a first-generation Owen Clarke design that is well built, solid, and is already fully compliant with the GSC rules. This is a close sister ship to several other GSC boats including Ari Kansakoski's Class 40 and Cole Brauer's Class 40 in the 2023 race. With Elizabeth Tucker from Australia, Ari from Finland, myself and Dealtry Pickford from South Africa, I think there is a chance that we'll have 4 or more older Owen Clarke's from 4 continents racing against each other in the 2027 GSC. What a cool race within the race!

2006 Owen Clarke designed Class 40 built by Jaz Marine in South Africa. Boat finished third in the 2006 Route du Rhum with Ian Munslow. Boat was moved to Maine and lightly sailed for several years before David Linger purchased the boat and re-named it Koloa Maoli. Dave sailed in the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge and finished in sixth place.

The boat is very nicely set up with good sails, a lot of solar, hydro generators, NKE electronics and all recommended safety gear. Dependent on budget, the boat will go through a major re-fit before the 2027 GSC. Boat does have a nice, custom dodger to increase skipper protection in the cockpit.

Do you intend to link this personal challenge with a social message?

Yes. As a combat-wounded US Marine and Iraq war veteran, introducing veterans to sailing to aid in their own healing is a cause that has always been very near and dear to my heart. To that effect, I am proud to again be aligned with US Patriot Sailing out of Annapolis, Maryland. I also aim to promote a circular economy, sustainability, renewable energies and ocean health throughout my campaign. I look forward to connecting with like minded sponsors and building a regional based ocean racing campaign that connects many businesses.

Sailing Experience

2023-24 GSC, sailed close to 80% of the way around the world including all three Capes. I dismasted while in 3rd place and did not finish.

6 Hawaii races (4 crewed, 2 solo). 1 Transpac class win, 1 Singlehanded Transpac class win
1 participation in Sydney - Hobart
Multiple Mexico races
20 crossings between Hawaii and mainland (6 races, 2 cruises and 12 deliveries)
Solo cruising of South Pacific multiple times, crewed cruising, lot of deliveries, powerboat deliveries

About The boat