6 augusti 2026
55 min
Why Is There Only One Woman in the GGR2026? Mara Løvenskiold
What does it take to stand on the start line of one of the toughest solo sailing race in the world?
With just one month before the start of the Golden Globe Race, I caught up with Mara aboard Showgirl in Les Sables d’Olonne. Yet again there is only one woman in the race!
This conversation goes far beyond race preparation. We talk about the reality of getting to the start line after months of setbacks and problem-solving, from major rig repairs in Jersey to the last-minute loss of a solar panel sponsor and the incredible generosity of the sailing community that stepped in to help.
Mara shares the importance of her support team, why she chooses to embrace colour and femininity in a sport that often celebrates a different image, and why visibility matters if we want more women to believe that adventures like this are possible for them.
We also dive into the practical realities of racing alone around the world. We discuss provisioning, the food that keeps both body and morale going, celestial navigation, self-steering systems, barnacles, heavy weather tactics, and the mindset needed to face months alone at sea. Throughout it all, Mara speaks openly about the pressure of being the race’s only female competitor while remaining determined simply to sail her own race and finish it.
I hope you enjoy meeting Mara as much as I did.
My name is JoJo Pickering. I’m a professional freelance skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, and founder of SheHelms Sailing.
Through these conversations I’ll be sharing interviews with women sailors from different backgrounds and experiences, creating space for thoughtful discussion, shared learning, and honest conversations about sailing life.
I hope you’ll tune in and enjoy.
If these conversations resonate with you, please do share them with others, subscribe to the SheHelms Newsletter, and explore the wider SheHelms community.
Very welcome aboard
SheHelms is a women-centred sailing community helping women build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through podcasts, articles, live online events, monthly zooms and our free community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations to support women at every stage of their sailing journey.
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