Philipp Hympendahl returns to the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028 aboard his Sigma 36 African Queen

We are pleased to welcome German sailor Philipp Hympendahl to the Global Solo Challenge 2027–2028. With approximately 50,000 nautical miles under his belt, Philipp is returning to a dream that was interrupted in 2023, when unexpected problems with the boat he had purchased prevented him from starting the first edition. Rather than giving up, he bought the Sigma 36 African Queen, which he is now refitting for the challenge.

Philipp has an extensive background in offshore sailing and adventure, including ocean passages across the Pacific and Atlantic, participation in the Lapita Voyage Expedition and demanding endurance cycling events. In August 2026, he successfully completed his solo, non-stop qualifying passage around Britain and Ireland, covering more than 2,000 nautical miles and marking an important milestone in his preparations.

“Philipp’s entry has a special significance,” commented Marco Nannini, founder and organiser of the Global Solo Challenge. “When I created the Global Solo Challenge, I wanted to establish an event that would be open to the kind of boats I had sailed throughout my own life. In 2009, I took part in the OSTAR aboard British Beagle, a Sigma 36, and later competed in several events on a Class40. My vision was to bring together sailors on very different boats, from traditional offshore cruisers to modern racing yachts, sharing the same extraordinary challenge of sailing solo around the world. Seeing Philipp enter the GSC aboard a Sigma 36 makes that original vision a reality.”

Built in 1980 and designed by David Thomas, African Queen shares the qualities for which Sigma yachts are renowned: solid construction and good upwind performance, particularly in heavy weather, where they can be remarkably competitive on handicap. Given the staggered-start format of the Global Solo Challenge, Philipp’s African Queen is certainly a boat not to be underestimated.

We are delighted to welcome Philipp back to the Global Solo Challenge and look forward to seeing African Queen in Vigo in 2027, ready to take on the three great capes.

Philipp Hympendahl / African Queen. Photo Supplied by Global Solo Challenge

Philipp Hympendahl, Germany

Start date: TBA

Boat: African Queen – Sigma 36

Lives: Düsseldorf, Germany

Born in: 1968

Miles sailed: 50,000

About the boat

African Queen

Sail Number: 3005

Boat design: Sigma 36 – David Thomas

Year built: 1980

LOA: 36ft

Displacement: 5600kgs

Upwind sail area: TBC

Downwind sail area: TBC

African Queen – Sigma 36, Philipp Hympendahl

Sailing experience

Approximately 50,000 nautical miles sailed, with extensive offshore experience dating back to the early 1990s. Philipp’s voyages include sailing from the Maldives to Djibouti with his father in 1991, from Guatemala to Tahiti in 1994, and participation in the Lapita Voyage Expedition in 2008.

In recent years, he has concentrated on solo sailing, completing a winter voyage around Denmark in 2021, a solo circuit of the North Sea in 2022, the Midsummersail in 2023, and a major Atlantic circuit in 2023–2024. His preparations for the Global Solo Challenge have included solo voyages around Britain and Ireland in 2025 and a solo non-stop circumnavigation of Britain and Ireland in 2026. He also competed in the Silverrudder race in 2026.

Where does your passion for sailing come from?

I had my first boat as a kid in Formentera, Spain, and I was already sailing in salt water. That has never changed.

I love the endlessness of the oceans and the feeling of being small and huge at the same time. My dad circumnavigated the world, and I am following him on my own personal path, but doing it my way.

I want to see, feel and smell the three great capes, and I want to experience every single mile in between them.

The open sea is where I belong.

Philipp Hympendahl / African Queen. Photo Supplied by Global Solo Challenge

What lessons has sailing taught you?

The ocean is a place where decisions count. What you do has consequences, and you learn to make the right decisions because otherwise you might find yourself in serious trouble.

Nature is a very honest place. That’s why sailors are always humble.

What brought you to like single-handed sailing?

It is the most intense experience with nature and with yourself. Good and bad moments can be very close together, but in the end you always receive a huge reward.

Nobody distracts you from your emotions, and therefore you get as close as you can to your inner self.

Alone but not lonely, and always responsible for the outcome. That brings satisfaction, pride and peace to your soul.

What motivated you to sign up for this event?

My desire to sail around the three great capes while having a motivating race at the same time.

The opportunity to sail as fast and as safely as possible, with monitoring and the support of a great community.

I also like the format of the race and the possibility of taking part in an environmentally and budget-friendly way.

How are you planning to prepare for this event?

I have been sailing solo as much as possible over the last few years on a 9-metre boat, including an Atlantic circuit.

I have also sailed around Britain and Ireland twice solo, including a non-stop passage as part of my qualification journey for the GSC.

The next step is having the right boat and preparing her as thoroughly as possible.

Philipp Hympendahl / African Queen. Photo Supplied by Global Solo Challenge

What do you think will be the greatest challenge?

It’s nothing new, but it’s true: getting to the start line is already a huge achievement.

Then comes the transition into racing mode, keeping both skipper and boat in good condition for as long as possible, monitoring the level of exhaustion and avoiding reaching a point where serious mistakes become more likely.

The key is taking care of yourself and your boat. It sounds simple, but under the circumstances it will be the biggest challenge, alongside stress, noise, pressure and loneliness.

Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.

I have a Sigma 36, a displacement boat built in 1980. She is in very good condition and will be transformed into an old racing lady.

I have a little comfort inside, and she will have modern sails, a bowsprit and a setup designed to make her as fast as possible.

I love her.

Do you intend to link this personal challenge with a social message?

I am working together with The Ocean Cleanup and raising money for the organisation through the miles I sail.

I am really looking forward to it.

What are your sailing achievements or racing palmarrs?

1991 – Sailed from the Maldives to Djibouti with my father.

1994 – Sailed from Guatemala to Tahiti.

2008 – Participated in the Lapita Voyage Expedition.

2021 – Solo winter voyage around Denmark.

2022 – Solo voyage around the North Sea.

2023 – Sailed the Midsummersail solo.

2023–2024 – Completed a major Atlantic circuit.

2025 – Solo voyage around Britain and Ireland.

2025 – Delivery from St. Helena to Grenada.

2026 – Solo non-stop voyage around Britain and Ireland as part of my qualification for the Global Solo Challenge.

2026 – Competed in the Silverrudder race.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I tried to make it to the first edition of this race, but I was a little late and unlucky with the boat I had purchased.

There were hidden issues with the boat, and many other things happened. In the end, I could not start and lost a lot of money, along with all my motivation and energy.

Instead, I went sailing on my old boat, saved my soul and found new motivation and new ways to fulfil my dream.

So here I am again.

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