Solo Sailor Christian Sauer Battles Pain in Epic Mini Globe Race
The Mini Globe Race, a gruelling solo sailing challenge around the world, has reached its latest milestone. After more than a year at sea, 11 competitors remain in the race, with Christian Sauer among them. His yacht, Argo, docked in Recife, Brazil, on February 1—just as the city's famous Carnival began in full swing.
The race follows a strict route, with sailors navigating Mini 5.80 yachts across vast oceans. Before Recife, stops included Cape Town and the remote island of St. Helena. Sauer's journey has been marked by persistence, despite a year-long battle with shoulder pain worsened by rough seas and restless nights.
With each port visit, repairs to Argo have become less demanding. This has given Sauer more time to relax on land, a rare comfort in such a demanding race. Yet, he describes the experience as strangely ordinary, thanks to years of meticulous planning and preparation.
The final stretch now looms: a 2,500-mile leg from Recife to Antigua, set to begin on February 19. While the end is in sight, Sauer remains uncertain about what comes next. For now, he prefers to focus on the race rather than make long-term plans.
Sauer's arrival in Recife aligns with the city's vibrant Carnival, offering a brief respite before the last push to Antigua. The race, which started with far more competitors, has tested endurance and skill. Only 11 sailors now remain, each nearing the finish line after over a year of solo sailing.
