Estonian Golden Globe Race skipper Uku Randmaa is predicted to cross the finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne, France on 9 March 2019.

As of today (4 March 2019), he is within 600 miles of the French port, having racked up some good days of sailing on his Rustler 36, One and All, making a number of 130+ mile days.

Once he finishes, the 56-year-old will have a 72 hour time penalty added for asking and receiving weather routing via HAM Radio, which is banned under race rules.

Golden Globe HQ said this decision was made because Randmaa is low on food. He has managed to catch some fish to supplement his meagre rations but so far he has lost more than 20kg during the voyage.

Uku Randmaa looks set to take the last podium position in the race.  Credit: Christophe Favreau/PPL/GGR

The solo skipper will be hoping the south westerly trade winds will now push him towards Cape Finisterre.

Speaking before starting the solo round the world yacht race, Randmaa said he was determined to finish.

‘This is a dream event – a round the world race for real gladiators. For me, the best is to take part; the worst – not to finish. If I’m not going to win, then simply finishing will fulfil my dreams,’ he said.

Continues below…

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Meanwhile, 4th placed Istvan Kopar has been frustrated by the Azores high-pressure system, which means his Tradewind 35 Puffin is now 1,000 miles behind Randmaa

He is expected to finish on 18 March, while Finland’s Tapio Lehtinen is now expected to arrive in Les Sables d’Olonne until early May, which means he will miss the official Golden Globe Race prize giving on Easter Monday.

Position of skippers at 10:00 UTC 4 March 2019

FINISHED:

1 Jean- Luc VDH (FRA) Rustler 36 Matmut
2 Mark Slats (NED) Rustler 36 Ohpen Maverick

STILL RACING
3 Uku Randmaa (EST) Rustler 36 One and All
4 Istvan Kopar (USA) Tradewind 35 Puffin
5 Tapio Lehtinen (FIN) Gaia 36 Asteria

Chichester Class (No time limit)

Igor Zaretskiy (RUS) Endurance 35 Esmeralda (plans to restart from Australia in October 2019)

Retired

Ertan Beskardes (GBR) Rustler 36 Lazy Otter
Kevin Farebrother (AUS) Tradewind 35 Sagarmatha
Nabil Amra (PAL) Biscay 36 Liberty II
Philippe Péché (FRA) Rustler 36 PRB
Antoine Cousot (FRA) Biscay 36 Métier Intérim
Are Wiig (NOR) OE32 Olleanna
Abhilash Tomy (IND) Suhaili replica Thuriya
Gregor McGuckin (IRE) Biscay 36 Hanley Energy Endurance
Francesco Cappelletti (ITA) Endurance 35 007
Loïc Lepage (FRA) Nicholson 32 Laaland
Susie Goodall (GBR) Rustler 36 DHL Starlight
Mark Sinclair (AUS) Lello 34 Coconut