Image: Cheekytatoo – Rogers 40 Class40, sail number GER 30.
GSC: We are pleased to welcome German sailor Nicolas Manthos as a new entrant in the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028. Nicolas is the first of three German-speaking skippers expected to join the event, and his entry is supported by the German offshore sailing association Trans-Ocean e.V. Sailing his Class40 Cheekytatoo, he brings an unconventional background, considerable determination and a growing record of solo offshore achievements, including a successful record-setting circumnavigation of Iceland in 2025.
Nicolas's journey into sailing began relatively recently, but his progression has been remarkable. Having previously worked as a paragliding instructor and undertaken adventurous expeditions around the world, he taught himself to sail aboard a small Hurley 18 during the pandemic. He subsequently crossed the Atlantic twice single-handed on the 18-foot yacht, an experience that established his enthusiasm for long-distance solo sailing and ultimately led him to pursue a non-stop circumnavigation of the world.
For his next challenge, Nicolas acquired Cheekytatoo, a Rogers-designed Class40 launched in 2007 and originally developed for French sailor Tanguy de Lamotte. The boat has an extensive offshore racing history, having competed in major events including the Route du Rhum and the Transat Jacques Vabre. Although an earlier-generation Class40, she offers a proven ocean racing platform which Nicolas has been developing and testing through increasingly demanding offshore passages and competitions.
In June 2025, Nicolas completed an important milestone when he sailed Cheekytatoo single-handed around Iceland and back to Plymouth in the Round Iceland Challenge organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club. He covered the approximately 2,800-nautical-mile course in 16 days, 12 hours and 14 minutes, establishing a new solo record for the route. The passage exposed both skipper and boat to challenging North Atlantic conditions and provided valuable experience in managing a Class40 alone over an extended period. He has since continued to build his offshore racing experience, including participation in the 2026 CIC Med Channel Race, where he finished fourth sailing double-handed with Chris Kerl.
Nicolas's campaign also benefits from the support of Trans-Ocean e.V., the German association founded in 1968 to promote offshore sailing and support sailors undertaking ambitious ocean voyages and racing projects. With a worldwide network of members and support stations, the organisation has a long tradition of encouraging independent offshore sailing. Its involvement in Nicolas's Global Solo Challenge campaign provides an important connection to the German-speaking offshore sailing community.
The Global Solo Challenge represents a further step in Nicolas's progression from small-boat ocean passages to the demanding world of solo, non-stop circumnavigation. His experience in the North Atlantic and his familiarity with Cheekytatoo provide a foundation for the preparations ahead, although sailing alone around the three great capes will present challenges on an entirely different scale. As with every GSC entrant, completing the necessary boat preparation, safety requirements and qualifying passages will be essential before taking the start in Vigo in 2027.
We are delighted to welcome Nicolas to the GSC fleet and look forward to following his preparations, together with Trans-Ocean, as he works towards the start of the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028, hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Vigo.
“The GSC is the most exciting regatta for aspiring solo sailors. There's no way around it!”
— Nicolas Manthos
Sailing for Médecins du Monde
Nicolas is also using his campaign to raise funds for Médecins du Monde (Doctors of the World). Ten years ago, a serious sports accident nearly cost him his life and left him blind in one eye. Having been able to recover and live a normal life, he wants to support people who do not have the same access to medical care.
For Nicolas, reaching the start line will be one of the biggest challenges of all. Once at sea, he believes the outcome will come down to a combination of preparation, skill and luck.
Read Nicolas's full story & interview on the GSC website Click here
GSC 2027–2028 entries
All 27 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
27. Nicolas Manthos Class40 #30 GER
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