Szabolcs WEÖRES

Although he is a rookie when it comes to solo racing, he is certainly not new to sailing. Coming from a family of sailors, he started his career in Optimist, Cadet, 420, FD and Soling, then joined South Africa’s legendary Team Shosholoza for the 32nd America’s Cup as a rigger.

His philosophy is to take everything step by step, manage expectations and systematically build up his solo sailing career. He now has the boat, Ari Huusela’s Stark built by Owen Clarke (originally for Dee Caffari), a small, but professional support team and enough budget for the moment.

In 2022, he launched his Vendée Globe project and took on a series of transatlantic races in an IMOCA: the Route du Rhum, which he finished in 26th place, the Transat Jacques Vabre, and Retour à La Base, which he completed in 28th position.

In November 2024, the challenge paid off — he was on the starting line of the Vendée Globe. But the beginning of the race was eventful. A broken shroud compromised the safety on board and forced him to retire.