We are thrilled to announce the entry of British sailor Sam Glover into the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028.
Sam, who lives and works in London, joins the list of skippers officially entered in the next exciting edition of the GSC which will be hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Vigo. While Sam may be newer to the world of solo sailing, his determination and adventurous spirit have already taken him to recently win the solo division of the transatlantic “World’s Toughest Row”. His entry marks an important moment in his personal journey to push his limits and embrace the challenges that solo ocean racing presents.
Sam’s background, though not deeply rooted in sailing, tells the story of someone who thrives in testing conditions. Having rowed solo across the Atlantic, Sam has proven his resilience and mental fortitude. His participation brings a unique blend of physical endurance and determination, driven by his connection to the ocean and a deep respect for its forces.
Sam Glover is one of over a hundred skippers with the Global Solo Challenge on their radar, over 70 skippers have now joined a dedicated WhatsApp group where they can share their trials and tribulations as they ponder, consider and prepare for the challenge. Of these skippers, Sam was the 8th to formally submit his entry whilst Zimbabwean professional mariner Fraser Flight, whose entry we have already announced last week was the 9th. The event continues to gather momentum towards its start in Vigo.
We are eager to see how Sam’s journey unfolds, he is looking at participating on a Class40 which seems to be a good fit for his skills and ambition, a type of boat that has proven to be very versatile in taking on the GSC. We are sure that his passion for the sea will carry him through the many trials ahead in this challenge. Welcome aboard, Sam!
Now, let’s dive into his motivations and insights as we explore the background and lessons that have shaped his decision to take on this incredible challenge.
About the skipper
Name: Sam Glover
Nationality: GBR
Lives: London, UK
Born in: 1974
Miles sailed: 2.000+
Where does your passion for sailing come from?
My passion for the ocean isn’t about being a seasoned sailor; it’s rooted in my love for adventure and respect for the sea. Rowing solo across the Atlantic was the most humbling, physically gruelling experience I’ve ever faced. I learned that understanding the ocean, its rhythm, and the elements was often more important than physical strength or technical skills. The ocean teaches you to surrender and find joy even in hardship. I might be the least experienced in this challenge, but I’m driven by my connection to the sea and the adventure that awaits. For me, this challenge is about embracing the unknown, tapping into resilience, and finding peace in solitude, all while testing the limits of what’s possible.
What lessons have you learnt from sailing?
The Atlantic row taught me that respect for the sea is the greatest asset. You can’t fight the ocean—you have to move with it. When my jaw locked, my auto-helm broke, and I pushed through with a broken shoulder, I realised resilience was more important than anything. The greatest lesson was finding balance between preparation and adaptability. You can plan, but you must also react in the moment and trust your instincts. Keeping things simple and embracing the unexpected is how you move forward. It’s not just about overcoming the physical hurdles but about developing a mindset of adaptability and calm in the face of chaos.
What brought you to like single-handed sailing?
Although I haven’t yet sailed long solo passages, my solo Atlantic row showed me the beauty of solitude on the ocean. There is something magical about the infinite scale of the moments you have alone at sea, the stars, the moon rises and sunsets. The Global Solo Challenge is a race against time for me. I’ll have to balance the demands of my business while preparing to become self-sufficient on the water. The magic of being at one with the sea and elements drives me, but the responsibility is mine alone. I didn’t expect to be the fastest solo rower, but I surprised myself, and now I’m ready for the next challenge. It’s about the personal test of navigating isolation and pushing through challenges on my own terms.
What prompted you to sign up for this event?
Watching the finishers of the first Global Solo Challenge, I felt so inspired which drove an undeniable pull. I’ve faced immense physical and mental challenges before, but this feels like a new frontier. I don’t expect to win—I didn’t expect to win my Atlantic row either—but it’s the journey that draws me. The challenge of preparing, of racing against time to learn what I need, is something I’m ready for. This is not just about testing my limits; it’s about seeing how far I can push myself and what comes next. It’s about proving that through relentless effort, we can achieve things we never thought possible.
How do you plan to prepare for this event?
The preparation starts now, and I have a long way to go. My race begins with learning to sail an ocean-racing boat, mastering navigation, and racing. But my challenge is twofold—I also need to delegate responsibility for my business so I can focus fully on the race. With the help of my team and those close to me, I’ll participate in races and major passages to get familiar with my boat and learn to make critical decisions under pressure. I’ve been here before—overcoming impossible challenges—and I’m ready to take this on. This journey is as much about growth as it is about the race itself.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge for me is staying the course. Not just getting to the start line prepared, but balancing the demands of my business and personal life along the way. The ocean is humbling; isolation can be tough; I’ve faced it before but not nearly on this scale. The challenge isn’t just physical—it’s about managing the mental strain and staying resilient. The support of my team, my family, and those around me will be key to helping me finish. I know this will be a true test, but I’m ready for whatever the ocean offers. It’s a test of my capacity to juggle the dual worlds of business and extreme endurance adventure.
Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.
I’ve been advised that a Class 40 would be a great choice for this challenge. It’s fast, reliable, and simple enough for someone still learning the ropes. For me, it’s important to strike the right balance between speed and simplicity. My focus is on learning quickly and being as efficient as possible, and the Class 40 seems to be the best fit for this journey. As I prepare, my aim is to get familiar with the boat and make it my partner for the challenge ahead.
Do you intend to link this personal challenge to a social cause?
Yes, I do. I’m currently finalising the details, but this challenge is personal to me, and I want to make it count for more than just myself. More information will follow soon. For me, this journey is an opportunity to make a broader impact and use my personal endeavour as a force for good.
Sailing experience
No notable sailing achievements. I won the solo class in the World’s Toughest Row 2023.
My experience at sea is just 5,000 miles – 3,000 miles in a rowing boat and 2,000 miles sailing – coastal waters and mediterranean. Day skipper licence.
