Charity
Pat Lawless sets sail for 2026 Golden Globe Race challenge raising funds for Parkinson’s Ireland
Pat Lawless sets sail for 2026 Golden Globe Race challenge
Irish sailor Pat Lawless has set sail for the 2026 Golden Globe Race, one of the toughest challenges in sport
Sailor Pat Lawless is making his way to Les Sables-d’Olonne in France for the beginning of the 2026 Golden Globe Race as he sets sail for one of the toughest challenges in sport.
A Limerickman now living in Kerry, Pat Lawless, aims to become the first Irish person to complete a non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the world through the competition.
On his journey, Pat says he will face a “true test of endurance, resilience, and determination. Months alone at sea bring long days, longer nights, and plenty of time to think”.
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Pat has been sailing all his life and is following in the footsteps of his late father, Pat Lawless Snr, who sailed around the world at the age of 70. Now the same age as his father when he sailed around the world, he will also be raising money for Parkinson’s Association of Ireland as part of the race, a charity close to his heart.
Pat writes on his iDonate fundraising page, “When the challenge is at its hardest, my thoughts will be of home — and of my wife, Rita. Every mile sailed is a mile closer to returning safely to her, while each mile completed is also a chance for this campaign to grow and help others living with Parkinson’s.
“I am fundraising for Parkinson’s Ireland in Rita’s name. This cause is deeply personal to us, and all funds raised will go directly to supporting the vital work they do. If you can donate, no matter the amount, it would mean a great deal us. You can be with me emotionally on my solo 9 month journey around the world.”
Lawless departed Dingle this week, sailing for Les Sables-d’Olonne in France, where he will complete mandatory safety inspections ahead of the race’s official start on 6 September 2026.
Lawless will compete aboard Silvermines Hydro, named after his title sponsor. Darren Quinn, Chief Executive of Siga Hydro, said, “We are delighted to support Pat as the only Irish entrant in the 2026 Golden Globe Race. The resilience and stamina required for such a journey strongly resonates with us as a company. This is a great human story, and we’re committed to bringing the Silvermines community along on the journey as we follow Pat’s progress around the world.”
Like the Golden Globe Race, the Silvermines Hydro project is built on patience, planning, and long-term resilience. These shared values made the partnership with Pat Lawless a natural fit.
Quinn added, “When Pat is deep in the Southern Ocean or drifting through the doldrums, we want him to know that there is a community at home following every mile. That sense of connection matters to us.”
You can support Pat Lawless’ fundraiser by sharing or donating to his iDonate campaign for Parkinson’s Ireland HERE.
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