Israeli Sailor Aims for Historic Solo Circumnavigation Without Modern Tech

Daniel Pinski, a 35-year-old Israeli, is set to become the first Israeli to compete in the Golden Globe Race, a solo, non-stop, unassisted around-the-world sailing race. Departing from Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, on Sunday, September 6, Pinski will navigate using only celestial navigation, a sextant, compass, paper charts, and manual calculations, eschewing modern GPS and electronic navigation systems. The race covers approximately 30,000 nautical miles, with an estimated journey of 250 days, though faster sailors may finish in around 210 days and others could take over 300.

The Golden Globe Race intentionally harks back to the spirit of the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, the first of its kind. Competitors must use boats designed before 1988, with only 22 approved production models allowed, measuring between 32 and 36 feet. Pinski's vessel, 'Exodus,' is a 1980 Baba 35, measuring 10.67 meters and weighing nearly nine tons. The race strictly prohibits satellite navigation, electronic chart plotters, and self-steering electronic autopilots, requiring sailors to rely on traditional methods and manage their own weather forecasting and logbooks.

Pinski's journey to this point began at age 14 when he attended a maritime boarding school. After serving in the navy and studying mechanical engineering, he developed extensive sailing experience, including a three-year solo voyage from 2021 to 2024 across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean, and South America. The idea of participating in the Golden Globe has been with him since its revival in 2018, with preparations for this specific race beginning in October 2025.

While the race emphasizes older technology, it is not necessarily inexpensive. Organizers estimate a budget of under 100,000 Euros is possible, potentially dropping to under 45,000 Euros net after selling the boat. However, costs can easily reach 300,000 Euros. Pinski's personal budget stands at approximately $190,000, covering the boat's purchase, extensive renovations, structural reinforcements, safety equipment, sails, spare parts, insurance, and entry fees of 11,500 Euros, along with provisions for eight months.

Preparing 'Exodus' for solo circumnavigation involved significant engineering work, ensuring all tasks could be performed by one person and that systems were repairable at sea. This included a new rigging system, mast work, deck systems, and reinforcements. Pinski received final approval from the organizers in early August after completing all safety requirements and tests, including a simulated 4,000-mile Atlantic crossing to test his endurance and skills under race conditions. The race, while limiting navigational technology, does include modern safety and tracking equipment, allowing organizers to monitor participants, and controlled communication for safety purposes.