20 March 2026 The MGR 2025-26 Antigua Prize Giving at the National Sailing Academy: 13 Months at Sea, 11 Sailors, One Unforgettable Night They left as 15. A year and 13 months later, 11 sailed home. This is the celebration. Welcome to the official prize-giving night for the inaugural Mini Globe Race (MGR) 2025-26, held in Antigua. This is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a homecoming for a family forged in the Southern Ocean, built on a foundation of plywood, rum, and an unbreakable spirit. A huge thank you to: His Excellency, the Governor General of Antigua & Barbuda, Dr. Rodney Williams John Hamilton, British Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda The National Sailing Academy, Elizabeth Jordan, and Bob Bailey Falmouth Harbour Ocean Club & Dennis Henry The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority All the volunteers, managers, and families who made this dream a reality. Credit: Andrew Ackroyd / MGR2025-26

His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, presents the award to the winner of the McIntyre Mini Globe Race, Mr Renaut Stitelmann, with founder Don McIntyre looking on. Photo credit – Andrew Ackroyd/MGR 2025-26

The presentation took place in Antigua and Barbuda, the official start and finish point of the historic race, where fifteen determined sailors embarked from the National Sailing Academy on their solo journey around the world and returned to complete the challenge.

Sir Rodney noted that Antigua and Barbuda is proud to have played a central role in this remarkable endeavour, highlighting that Mr. McIntyre’s commitment to accessible, grassroots ocean racing has made the Mini Globe Race possible.

He further emphasized that the event serves as a powerful reminder of Antigua and Barbuda’s standing as a premier sailing destination, fully capable of hosting events of global significance with distinction.