Pat preparing to set sail again

Garrykennedy Sailing Club hosted a hugely successful and memorable Lawless Race event on Saturday week last, drawing an exceptional level of support both on and off the water.

On behalf of the GSC committee, sincere thanks are extended to everyone who participated, contributed prizes and gear for the raffle and auction, the skippers and crews of the 24 boats that entered the race, and all who attended the evening celebrations at Ciss Ryan’s.

The event exceeded all expectations, raising €1,375 for Parkinson’s Ireland and €5,600 in support of Pat Lawless’s Golden Globe Race campaign. The generosity and enthusiasm shown throughout the day highlighted the strength and spirit of the sailing community.

Racing was keenly contested, with 16 boats in the cruiser class and seven in the Squib fleet. Skippers and crews also contributed directly to the fundraising effort, reinforcing the event’s charitable impact. Proceedings continued ashore at Ciss Ryan’s, where GSC Commodore Dan O’Connell presented handcrafted trophies for the Lawless Race. The evening featured a lively auction and raffle, including a generous €500 contribution from Iniscealtra Sailing Club, presented by Commodore Jerry Murphy. All funds raised are being shared with Parkinson’s Ireland.

VIBRANT HUB

The event also attracted many visitors from outside the club, with several taking part in the race and expressing interest in returning to sail again. Set against the backdrop of Lough Derg, Garrykennedy Sailing Club continues to thrive as a welcoming and vibrant hub for sailing. The celebrations concluded with fantastic music from Brendan O’Connor and the Larkin family, bringing a fitting close to a standout day.

A special word of thanks was given to Pat Lawless and Brendan for offering attendees the chance to step away from everyday routine and connect with a genuine adventurer. Through Pat’s journey, supporters feel they are sending a part of themselves around the world.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION

Pat Lawless, a member of Garrykennedy Sailing Club, is now preparing to take on one of the toughest challenges in sport—the 2026 Golden Globe Race. He aims to become the first Irish sailor to win a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. The race, which begins on September 6 in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, is a gruelling nine-month test of endurance, requiring sailors to navigate alone using only traditional methods such as a sextant and paper charts.

A lifelong seafarer, Pat grew up on the banks of the Shannon and has spent decades working as a fisherman, furniture maker, and solo sailor, logging tens of thousands of nautical miles. His inspiration began early, influenced by legendary circumnavigators and, most notably, his father, who became the first Irishman to sail solo around the world at the age of 70.

Pat previously competed in the 2022 Golden Globe Race, where he demonstrated his capability by leading the fleet early on. However, a failure in his self-steering system forced his retirement after an extraordinary effort. Now, he returns in 2026 with renewed determination and unfinished business.

Often described as “the journey for madmen,” the Golden Globe Race is one of the most demanding endurance events in the world. Sailors face extreme isolation, unpredictable weather, and relentless physical and mental challenges over 30,000 miles of open ocean—all without modern technology or outside assistance.

Alongside his racing ambitions, Pat is raising funds for Parkinson’s Ireland, a cause close to his heart following his wife Rita’s diagnosis prior to the 2022 race. Encouragingly, Rita has responded well to treatment, and the couple looks forward to the future beyond this next great challenge.

LOCAL SPONSOR

Pat continues to prepare his boat, now named Silvermines Hydro, a Saltram Saga 36, as he builds toward the start line. A passionate artist as well as a sailor, he has already launched a successful fundraising campaign through exhibitions of his seascape paintings, supported by a community of West Kerry artists.

With preparations ongoing, Pat’s next key milestone is securing a title sponsor to support his 2026 campaign. More than a sponsorship opportunity, it represents a chance to be part of a remarkable story of resilience, adventure, and Irish sporting ambition.

The Lawless Race event stands as a testament to the power of community in helping to make that journey possible.