BRUCE MAUNSELL / 2030

Aotearoa New Zealand · Golden Globe Race 2030 campaign

Preparing for
the Golden Globe
Race 2030.

I’m Bruce Maunsell, a sailor based in Whangārei, Aotearoa New Zealand. Last year I returned after two and a half years sailing solo around the Pacific. Now I’m working towards a start in the 2030 Golden Globe Race.

My entry is one of only 25 that have been accepted.

I’m now looking for a boat. I’ll then spend the time until 2030 getting it ready, preparing myself and sailing to France for the race, which starts in September 2030.

Solo. Non-stop. Around the world.Campaign in preparation · Whangārei, Aotearoa New Zealand
2030The campaign’s race goal
~40,000Nautical miles, including delivery
+/-230 daysSolo, non-stop

The skipper

A bit about me.

Bruce Maunsell smiling aboard in a red sailing jacket

I’ve sailed for much of my life. Most recently, I spent two and a half years on a solo Pacific voyage, an experience recognised with a Yachting New Zealand Cruising Achievement Award.

Now I've decided to take on the challenge of the Golden Globe Race. It will take a sound boat, plenty of preparation and the unforeseeable challenges of sailing one and a half times around the world via the Southern Ocean.

My aim is to be the first Kiwi to start the Golden Globe Race and, with a bit of luck and a lot of work, finish it.

I’m preparing in Whangārei, drawing on local marine knowledge and the help of people who know boats and ocean sailing.

The journey

From Aotearoa New Zealand
to the start in France.

A campaign of approximately 40,000 nautical miles: preparation in Aotearoa New Zealand, delivery to France, and a solo race around the world.

01 / AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

Prepare at home

Choose and prepare the yacht, bring together a small support team, and spend time planning, testing equipment and practising at sea.

02 / PASSAGE TO FRANCE

Sail to France

The delivery passage, probably starting in late 2029, will be a significant voyage in its own right. It will give me time to get to know the boat, test it and myself, and hone the routines and specific skills I’ll need for the race.

03 / AROUND THE WORLD

Do the Race

The Golden Globe Race is a solo, non-stop circumnavigation inspired by traditional ocean sailing. The campaign’s planned finish is in France, sometime in 2031.

Learn more about the Golden Globe Race.

A curling wave in blue open-ocean waterSunlight breaking through clouds above rolling ocean wavesA seabird silhouetted against the setting sun over the ocean

Behind the campaign

Getting ready.

The right boat

A strong, seaworthy, ocean-proven yacht, prepared for around 250 days of solo sailing. Boat selection, eligibility and the refit plan are central to the work ahead.

The sailor and the systems

Celestial navigation, self-steering, sail handling, repairs, nutrition and physical conditioning. Build confidence through practice and sea trials.

A team ashore

A small team ashore to help with planning, boat preparation and communications. There is plenty to do, and experienced advice will be welcome.

Current focus: boat selection · campaign planning · building the support network

A seabird flying above the ocean beneath a cloudy sky

Get involved

Ways to lend a hand.

I’d like to hear from people and businesses interested in helping with the preparations. Useful advice, a good introduction or practical assistance can all make a difference.

I’m also open to discussing equipment support and partnerships that make sense for both sides.

Marine expertise & equipment

Boat preparation, sails and rigging, self-steering, safety equipment, provisions and practical advice. Practical help with a reliable, thoroughly tested boat.

Campaign partnerships

If the campaign is a good fit for your business, we can talk about useful support and how to acknowledge your contribution. If you’d like to help me in a private capacity, please get in touch.

Friends & the sailing community

A campaign like this will need plenty of support, and I’ll be looking for partners and contributions as preparations progress. Just as important to me is the encouragement and involvement of people around me—friends and family, the Whangarei community, fellow cruisers, Kiwi sailors and marine businesses. If you’d like to follow the project, share your experience, make an introduction or be involved in some way, I’d be glad to hear from you.

Keep in touch.

Sign up to receive occasional GGR campaign updates.

If you’d like to talk about the campaign or lend a hand, please get in touch.

Bruce Maunsell+64 274 887 663brucemaunsell@gmail.com