Istvan Kopar will be using Windpilot's Pacific model windvane in the 2018 Golden Globe Race Windpilot is the latest sponsor to join Istvan Kopar’s 2018 Golden Globe Race team. Windpilot is giving Istvan one of its Pacific model windvanes to use during his nonstop solo circumnavigation, provided that he successfully reaches the starting [...]
Istvan Kopar and his race management team are pleased to announce that Alexseal Yacht Coatings has signed on as the latest product sponsor of Istvan's 2018 Golden Globe Race effort. Mankiewicz Coatings, LLC, is a global company headquartered in Germany, with their North American headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina. They have produced Alexseal Yacht Coatings [...]
Capt. Istvan Kopar and his race management team are pleased to announce that Sea Hawk Paints, manufactured by New Nautical Coatings, Inc., is the latest sponsor to join his 2018 Golden Globe Race venture. […]
Capt. Istvan Kopar and his race management team would like to extend a special thank you to Russell Byers, Jr., who has made the largest donation to date from an individual contributor to Istvan's Golden Globe Race venture. Mr. Byers' generous donation of $5,000 will go to good use as Istvan continues to work on [...]
We are very excited to announce that Sailing Magazine has become the first major publication to review Istvan Kopar's latest book, Kihivas: Alone at the Ends of the Earth. Entitled "A fresh take on an around-the-world saga," Charlotte Peterson's review in the magazine's May issue describes Kihivas as "a mesmerizing tale." Peterson praises Istvan's unique voice, beautiful [...]
Harken, Inc. has signed on as the first high-profile sponsor of Istvan Kopar’s 2018 Golden Globe Race endeavor. A major manufacturer of performance sailboat hardware and accessories since 1967, Harken has had its products featured in such prestigious events as the America’s Cup and the Olympics. Now they will be put to the ultimate test in a [...]
In 1968, the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race set up the ultimate challenge: the winner would become the first person ever to sail solo around the world without a single stop. Of the nine skippers who started, only one successfully completed the race: Britain’s Robin Knox-Johnston. The outcome proved what an incredible feat Knox-Johnston had [...]
Important Update from Istvan
Dear Sponsors, Supporters, Fans, Friends, and Followers,
It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that, after successfully crossing the Atlantic, I was forced to bring my Anniversary Challenge to an end due to a lack of the financial resources needed to continue safely.
I know many of you will be disappointed by this news. I share that disappointment more deeply than I can express. I have devoted years of work, preparation, sacrifice, and resources far beyond our means to make this challenge possible.
But there comes a point when determination alone is not enough. Continuing an expedition of this magnitude requires the financial means to do it responsibly and safely. Without those resources, I could not justify putting safety—or my family’s security—at further risk.
This was an extremely difficult decision, but safety and family must come first.
I am deeply grateful to every sponsor, supporter, friend, fan, and follower who believed in this Anniversary Challenge, encouraged me, followed the journey, and helped me along the way. Your support has meant more to me than you may ever know.
Although this challenge has ended sooner than I had hoped, I remain proud of what we accomplished—including sailing from Seattle to Ft. Lauderdale and crossing the Atlantic—and profoundly thankful to everyone who was part of the journey.
Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your kind understanding.
With gratitude,
Istvan
