About me and the GSC

In 2001, I embarked on a boat-building odyssey that was to last over twenty years.

That doesn’t mean, of course, that I spent every day for twenty years working diligently on the boat, but rather sporadic efforts when time and finances allowed.

Circumstances and fortune invariably change over the years, and it wasn’t until 2021 that the Taqua II was finally ready to be moved out of the hangar from the Brittany countryside to Roscoff where she would finally be moored.

As the project seemed to be nearing an end, I began to ask myself what the ultimate plan was for Taqua II.

It was around this time that I learned of Marco Nannini’s Global Solo Challenge, https://globalsolochallenge.com/fr/home-fr/ a nonstop single-handed race around the world, open to non-professional skippers, sailing monohulls over 32 feet.

Ever since I had read the incredible story of the original Sunday Times Golden Globe Race of 1968, I wondered if I would ever be able to undertake and complete the same voyage, albeit, with modern technology.

I came to the conclusion that the only way that I would ever know would be to give it a try, so I signed up almost immediately.

I could have just set off on my own, however the unique staggered start of the GSC, which allows boats of different designs, sizes, and performance to compete on equal terms, appealed to me. I knew that this would make me push harder if the boat behind was gaining ground, or if I saw the chance of gaining ground on the boat ahead.

The other important factor was the increased safety margin that comes with a well organised event like the GSC. Adventure for me is reaching the objective and getting back to tell the storey.

Unfortunately, I underestimated the time I would need to commission the boat and fit it out to the standard required for the race.

The final straw came when the boat sustained damage shortly before the start and I had to accept that the game was up.

It was a huge disappointment to have to abandon the race in 2023, but now I believe it was for the best.

Despite the setbacks and disappointment, I never really gave up on the idea of trying again.

So now I’m back, and signed up for the GSC 27-28 in a much stronger position than I was two and a half years ago, so follow me as I prepare to be on the start line in Vigo, Spain in 2027.

Lloyd Davey

Qualification for the race.

Latest news

I'm very happy to announce that I completed my 2000-mile qualifier for the GSC in September, which means that I'll be on the start line in Vigo, Spain on the 18th of September next year 2027.

I hope to see you there!