International Association of Cape Horners

The organisers of the Global Solo Challenge are honoured to announce the partnership with the prestigious International Association of Cape Horners (IACH).

The Association maintains a register of sailors who have rounded Cape Horn solo and multi-crewed yachts on a non-stop passage of at least 3000 nautical miles which passes above the latitude of 52 degrees south in both the Pacific (or Indian) and Atlantic Oceans, without the use of engines for propulsion.

The history of the association recognises the achievement of men and women who rounded the legendary Cape, dates back to 1937. The aim is “to promote and strengthen the ties of comradeship which bind together in a unique body of men and women who embody the distinction of having sailed round Cape Horn.“

Cape Horn, also known as the Mount Everest of the Seas, is one of the three Great Capes that competitors in the Global Solo Challenge will have to round to complete their single-handed, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation. Cape Horn the Chilean Cape, an Island south of Ushuaia, is the furthest point south that GSC sailors must sail round in their race from Europe and after sailing past Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and Cape Leeuwin in Australia.

The IACH maintains a register accounting for around 1850 sailors who have rounded the Horn during a circumnavigation on crewed passages, 150 single-handed with stops and just 180 solo non-stop. Sailors in the GSC will be awarded IACH membership on successfully rounding Cape Horn.

“Rounding Cape Horn is an unforgettable experience and an achievement that deserves recognition. However, IACH membership is not simply a badge of honour,” said Marco Nannini, organiser of the Global Solo Challenge, “it is an unparalleled opportunity to be in direct contact with an elite group of like-minded sailors.“

Ashley Manton, Chairman of the IACH, who competed on Adventure and Great Britain II during the 1977/8 Whitbread RTW yacht race, commented: “We are delighted to be announcing today a partnership with Global Solo Challenge 2023 – 24, in which the challenges of the solo skippers striving to circumnavigate the world via the infamous Cape Horn are akin to the spirit of what so many of our members are aligned with. We offer them our full support and encouragement on this amazing endeavour.“

Archie Fairley, Secretary of IACH – Norwich Union Global Challenge 2000-2001 – added: “We are very happy to be partnering the Global Solo Challenge. The Corinthian spirit of the race and IACH, embracing the rounding of Cape Horn is very much attuned with the spirit of our Association and our forebearers. The skippers deserve all our support and encouragement for this amazing challenge and we look forward to many of them joining our ranks.“

Marco Nannini became a Cape Horner following his rounding during the Global Ocean Race 2011/2012 which has also earned him the title of “Sailor of the year 2012” in Italy and a Medal of Merit awarded by the Presidency of the Italian Senate. He has recently become a member of the IACH Committee to liaise with International applicants.

Please consult the IACH website if you believe you are eligible for IACH membership or if you believe you are eligible to be inserted into the register for the solo, or multi-crew circumnavigations.