Vuda Marina Flags follow the Mini Globe Race Fleet around the world to different port. Credit: Rob Havill / G580Transat / MGR2025

Historic McIntyre Mini Globe Race Makes stopover at Vuda Marina end of leg 2 After 12,000 Nautical Miles sailing from Portugal Dec. last year.

Fiji’s First-Ever Around-the-World Yacht Race Stopover

Vuda Marina , Fiji – In a world-first sailing challenge, 15 solo sailors from eight countries are navigating identical 5.8-meter (19-foot) self-built plywood yachts around the globe—and their next stop is Vuda Marina , Fiji! The fleet is currently approaching Fiji at the end of Leg 2 of the grueling 13-month, 24,000-nautical-mile McIntyre Mini Globe Race, with the first yacht expected to arrive late Friday 13th or Saturday 14th June.

Key Highlights:

✔ First Solo Sailor ETA: Renaud Stitelmann (Switzerland) will lead the fleet into Vuda Marina this weekend.
✔ Unprecedented Challenge: Competitors are racing in tiny, home built identical plywood ALMA Globe 580 boats—many built in garages and backyards across 37 countries.
✔ Global Adventure: After Fiji, sailors depart July 26th, heading across Australia’s northern coast into the treacherous Southern Ocean, aiming for Cape Town, South Africa, by Christmas.
✔ Fiji’s Historic Role: This marks Fiji’s first-ever visit by an around-the-world yacht race, hosted by Vuda Marina.

The McIntyre MGR is one of three unique around the world events organised by Australian adventurer Don McIntyre (currently in VUDA Marina available for interviews) and Ocean Frontiers Pty Ltd. Others include the solo 2018 and 2022 www.GoldenGlobeRace.com from Les Sables d’Olonne France and the 2023 crewed www.OceanGlobeRace.com celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the first Whitbread fully crewed race.

Quotes:

Adam Wade, General Manager & Chief Executive Officer , Vuda Marina Fiji: “This is an extraordinary adventure in unique little boats that amaze everyone who sees them. These skilled solo sailors are an inspiration, and we’re proud to partner with this growing international event!”

Don McIntyre, Race Organizer (Available for Interviews in Vuda Marina Fiji):
“After four years of planning and five months at sea, the sailors are thrilled to reach the beautiful Vuda Marina. Fiji’s legendary hospitality and culture will be a welcome respite before their next daunting leg!”

Meet the Sailors:

A diverse mix of men and women, young and old, from all walks of life—united by a dream of extreme adventure. They’ve battled the world’s toughest oceans and are eager to experience Fiji’s beauty, culture, and warm hospitality.

Media Opportunities:

📸 Photo/Video: Onboard footage, arrivals, and sailor interviews available.
🎤 Interviews: 11 of 15 sailors will be in Vuda Marina by 20th June.
🚤 Departure Press Conference: Thursday, 24th July, 10:00 AM at Vuda Marina (all entrants present).

# Simultaneous LIVE coverage of each arrival on MGR Facebook and Youtube.

For media access, interviews, or high-res assets, contact:
Don McIntyre +679 9329 124 | Don@MiniGlobeRace. com | www.MiniGlobeRace.com

Check out Past Press Releases HERE / More Press Pictures HERE

#MiniGlobeRace #MGR2025 #SailingHistory #FijiAdventure #ExtremeSailing

Jasmine Harrison ( UK / 88 Numbatou) a long distance swimming record holder and a solo Atlantic rowing veteran bought the winning ALMA Globe 580 from the first 2021 Globe 580 Transat, did a refit , learnt to sail and is now is sailing herself around the world! Credit: Jasmine Harrison / MGR2025

The McIntyre Mini Globe Race is a world first event and has never been attempted by Mini Ocean racers. The course around the world celebrates the 75th Anniversary and follows in the footsteps of John Guzzwell, who in 1955 set off in his home built 20ft timber yacht TREKKA to become the first ever “Mini Yacht” to sail around the world.

You can follow the fleet on Facebook and YOUTUBE channel etc social media for regular updates. STARTDAY LIVE ON FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE .