Israeli Sailor Embarks on Solo, Non-Stop Around-the-World Race

Daniel Pinski, a 35-year-old from Ariel, Israel, has begun his "journey of a lifetime" in the Golden Globe Race, an extreme sailing challenge. Pinski is the first Israeli to compete in this solo, non-stop, and unassisted round-the-world race, which requires participants to use 1960s-era navigation methods, including paper charts and sextants, eschewing modern technology like GPS. The race, which started in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, is expected to take around nine months to complete, with Pinski returning to France.

Pinski is sailing aboard the "Exodus," a 1980 Baba 35 sailboat he spent months preparing. He described the start as the culmination of extensive preparation, stating, "It's just me, the boat, maps, sextant, wind, and a lot of sea, for about 9 months." While the race emphasizes isolation, participants' locations are tracked via satellite for safety, and their progress can be followed on the YB Races app or the official Golden Globe Race website.

Pinski will not be providing regular video updates due to restrictions on modern communication technology like Starlink. He chose not to participate in a pilot program allowing short YouTube broadcasts to maintain the race's original spirit. He has also set up a quiet WhatsApp group for updates. Despite the retro rules, safety measures include satellite tracking, satellite phones, and distress beacons, though rescue in remote areas could take days.

His preparation included stocking food, primarily canned and dry goods, and planning to collect rainwater, as fresh water is reserved for drinking. Entertainment will be limited to a tape player and cassettes, with Pinski bringing a significant amount of Israeli music and a family photo album for comfort. His journey is fueled by a deep passion for the sea, stemming from his youth spent at a maritime boarding school and years of ocean crossings, though his mother expressed significant concern for his safety.