Ronnie Simpson Set to Start Global Solo Challenge

The West Coast’s own Ronnie Simpson is set to hit the starting line in A Coruña, Spain, for the inaugural Global Solo Challenge. Along with two other Americans, Simpson is about to embark on a nonstop, singlehanded round-the-world race via the three Great Capes.

Rain and heavy wind have engulfed the northern tip of Spain. “We’re currently about five days from the start of the race,” Ronnie told us on Tuesday. “We’re probably going to start a day late; the weather looks … one could say ‘apocalyptic’ for Saturday. We’re talking close to 60 knots upwind in the gusts; so we’re probably going to be starting a day late, and still seeing a front with over 40 knots of breeze.” Simpson is set to start with two other Americans, Dave Linger and Cole Brauer, for a total of eight more boats joining a race already in progress.

In what was probably something of an understatement, Ronnie told us, “It’s been a lot of work here in Spain.” He pulled the mast for some maintenance on his Open 50, recently rebranded Shipyard Brewing, then added “a bunch of solar and a wind generator. We did a lot of work on compliance and the safety rules and added a lot of safety gear.

“It’s been a huge push here in Spain, but we’re almost ready to go.”

Simpson was incredibly grateful for the support that he’s received. “I really can’t thank my sponsors enough: U.S. Patriot Sailing and Shipyard Brewing, my title sponsor, and all my shore crew and friends who have helped out.

“It’s been a very cool scene here at the Global Solo Challenge. There’s been a lot of camaraderie; [I’m] really enjoying getting to know a lot of the competitors. It’s a really cool race and I’m just very happy to be a part of it.”

Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast with Ronnie Simpson right here on Good Jibes. (Click here to listen to our 2022 interview with Ronnie.) In the forthcoming November issue of Latitude 38, we dive into some of Ronnie’s background that brought him to the Global Solo Challenge, and the work he’s doing on behalf of U.S. Patriot Sailing, a veterans’ sailing nonprofit.

Also be sure to check out Shipyard Brewing’s YouTube page and the Global Solo Challenge’s race tracker. You can still support Ronnie and make a donation at www.ronniesimpsonracing.com.