Daniel Kriz is the 26th skipper to enter the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028. Based in Prague and with more than 100,000 nautical miles sailed, he is preparing to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation via the three great capes aboard Quest, a Nelson/Marek 43.
Recently purchased in Brisbane, Australia, Quest has an impressive offshore racing history. She finished second overall on corrected time in the Sydney–Hobart in 1995 and, more recently, third across the line in the 2025 Melbourne–Osaka Cup, sailed by Peter Tardrew and Rod Gunther. After over 5,500 nautical miles, she finished just 44 seconds behind the Class40 Lord Jiminy.
Daniel plans to depart Brisbane in December and sail to Vigo, where the GSC will start and finish, hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Vigo. This qualifying passage will help him get to know Quest, test her systems and prepare for the 2027 start.
Quest, Nelson/Marek 43, competed in the 2025 Melbourne–Osaka Cup
Quest – Nelson/Marek 43. Photo: Daniel Kriz
“For me, the biggest attraction of the Global Solo Challenge is the opportunity to compete in a solo, nonstop circumnavigation without needing a latest-generation IMOCA or a multimillion-euro campaign.”
— Daniel Kriz
In his full interview, Daniel discusses what draws him to single-handed sailing, the challenges of getting to the start line and his preparations for the voyage from Australia to Spain.
Read Daniel's full story & interview Click here
GSC 2027–2028 entries
All 26 announced entrants, including projects subsequently retired or moved to 2031.
Skipper Boat Nat.
01. Chris Stanmore-Major Maxi 85 GBR
02. Peter Bourke Open 40 USA
03. Jonathan Massingill RETIRED USA
04. Marek Lipinski MOVED to 2031 POL
05. Piotr Czarniecki MOVED to 2031 POL
06. Jérôme Delire Class40 #109 BEL
07. Brian Gray Class40 #75 USA
08. Sam Glover MOVED to 2031 GBR
09. Fraser Flight Class40 #19 GBR/ZWE
10. Marcello Queirolo Elan 37 ITA
11. Sylvain Canet RETIRED FRA
12. Dealtry Pickford Class40 #OCD ZAF
13. Ivan Dimov Endurance 37 BGR
14. Pablo Gonzalez Parodi Class40 #106 URY/USA
15. Ronnie Simpson Class40 #15 USA
16. Juan Merediz Class40 #69 ESP
17. Christophe Bogrand Tocade 50 FRA
18. Ross Hubbard Panda 38 USA
19. Lloyd Davey Borealis GBR
20. Michal Krysta Class40 #141 CZE
21. Hiroki Nakayama Class40 #52 JPN
22. Noa Hopper Koopmans 41 USA
23. Ari Känsäkoski Class40 #38 FIN
24. Tim Kent Class40 #34 USA
25. Karl Smith Class40 #147 IRL
26. Daniel Kriz Nelson/Marek 43 CZE
Click here for more on the Global Solo Challenge
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