“Unfinished Business” — Pat Lawless Returns to HYC

13 November 2025
“Unfinished Business” — Pat Lawless Returns to HYC
 
Wednesday, 26th November | 7.30pm | Asgard Room
 
Pat Lawless of Dingle is a man with unfinished business. A competitor in the 2022 Golden Globe Race (GGR), Pat was forced to retire off Cape Town when his self-steering failed. Undeterred, he’s signed up again for the 2026 Race, determined to finish what he started.
 
The Golden Globe Race — first held in 1968 and won by Robin Knox-Johnston — remains one of sailing’s greatest challenges.  It was the first single-handed, non-stop, round-the-world race and as is now enters its 58th edition, the rules remain almost unchanged:
  • Boats no longer than 36ft
  • Long keel designs
  • No GPS or satellite weather routing
  • No stops, no outside assistance, and no crew!
On Wednesday, 26th November, Pat returns to Howth Yacht Club to share an update on his preparations for the start of the 2026 race, which begins on Sunday, 6th September 2026, from Les Sables d’Olonne.
 
He’ll be introduced by renowned sailor and adventurer Paddy Barry, and will speak about what drives someone to take on such an extraordinary challenge. Expect film footage of life onboard, storm management at sea, and plenty of photographs capturing both the beauty and hardship of solo ocean racing.
 
Unlike in 2022, Pat will be competing without a title sponsor, so donations on the night will be warmly welcomed to help him on his journey.
 
Join us for an evening of adventure, endurance, and inspiration on the 26th — and to support a sailor with truly unfinished business.
 
All members and guests welcome.  Guests must be signed in.
 
This is just one of a number of exciting upcoming talks presented by the HY Cruising Group.  Next up is Mark and Dawn Sweetnam on his two year adventure sailing in Norway which takes places on 1st December.  
 
Find out more about upcoming Cruising Group events here.