HALFWAY into the McIntyre Mini Globe Race (MGR), sailing 28,000 nautical miles around the world, Coffs Harbour yachtsman Eric Marsh is now resting in Vudu Marina in Fiji.
The 71-year-old sailor is one of 15 intrepid competitors on a world-first adventure aboard their solo Globe 5.8m boats.
“The adventure and journey so far have been fantastic, the fellow competitors from all around the world are fabulous [and] we are like one big family,” Mr Marsh told News Of The Area.
Vuda Marina is a major supporter of the MGR and its staff help the mariners use their milestone break to service the crafts before setting sail again at the end of July.
“I’ve just completed some maintenance and upgrades to Sunbear (the boat), being a new wind vane, antifoul and a re-rigging.
“She went back in the water today.”
Performance-wise, Mr Marsh and Sunbear are running in ninth place overall.
They were in seventh place throughout Leg Two until becoming becalmed near the finish.
Since setting off from the start line in Antigua on 23 February, the sailors have visited amazing islands and countries; from Panama, Hiva-Oa, Tahiti, Tonga and now Fiji.
“So far, the weather has been kind to all, apart from the usual thunderstorms and squalls you get around the tropics.
“Leg Three starts on 26 July; Fiji to Cape Town, via Thursday Island or Darwin, then down through the Indian Ocean, and round the Cape to Cape Town.
“Sunbear is a great boat averaging 100 to 120 nautical miles per day, not bad for a 19ft boat.
“We are both doing ok, although it does get lonely out there sometimes.”
The race is expected to take a year to complete with the first boats back in March 2026.
The fleet can be followed on MGR Facebook and YouTube.
By Andrea FERRARI
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