Determined and persevering, Hungarian sailor Szabolcs Weöres (Szabi) has decided at the age of 49 to sail solo around the world in the Vendée Globe 2024, following in the footsteps of Nándor Fa, the first non-French skipper to complete the race in 1992-93. Born into a family of sailors, he began his career in Optimist, Cadet, 420, FD and Soling, then joined South Africa's legendary Team Shosholoza for the 32nd America's Cup as a rigger.He has raced around the world aboard a Tripp 55 and participated in several transatlantic races. More recently, he has raced a Marten 68 on the Mediterranean circuit and offshore classics such as the Rolex Middle Sea Race, the Rolex Giraglia and the Rolex Sydney-Hobart. In 2022, Szabi entered the IMOCA 60 single-handed ocean racing circuit and completed the Route du Rhum single-handed transatlantic race. In addition to sailing, Szabi is proud of his triathlon achievements, completing the Ironman in under 9 hours and qualifying for the World Championship in Kona. His philosophy is to take things step by step, manage expectations and systematically build his solo sailing career. Szabi is convinced that if you concentrate and work hard, you can achieve your dreams. His goal is to take part in the Vendée Globe 2024.
To arrive safely in port and accumulate qualifying miles.
To prepare mentally, because for me, it's a single race that starts double-handed and ends single-handed. Especially as it can be difficult at this time of year. Last year I did the opposite: I went solo to Guadeloupe and came back double-handed.
I try to live a life that is sustainable in the long term for the planet. The next generation's legacy should be nature rather than money!
2023
Rolex Fastnet Race - 25th
2022
Défi Azimut - 23rd
Guyader Bermuda 1000 Race - ABD
Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe -22nd
Vendée Arctique - ABD
2020-21
Vendée Globe - 25th
Name: NEW EUROPE
Architect: Owen Clarke Design
Building: 2007, Hakes Marine, Wellington (Nz)
Launching: 14 Décembre 2007
Lenght: 18,28m
Beam: 5,57m
Draught: 4,5m
Weight: 8,5 tons
Mast height: 29m
Mast type:Classic-mast
Foils: no
Upwind: 270 m²
Downwind: 580 m²
MOL-New Europe Foundation
The MOL-New Europe Foundation aims to drive progress in various domains by assuming responsibility for social initiatives and carrying out tasks in sports, culture, healthcare, economic development, and environmental conservation. They strongly believe that each of us bears the responsibility for our living environment and for the coming generations. Their conviction lies in the notion that genuine success in the present can only be achieved when it serves the future. Therefore, they are dedicated to contributing to the region's advancement through their endeavors, be it supporting the economy, society, or cultural vitality. With a keen focus on sustainability objectives, they prioritize the circular economy, as climate change fundamentally reshapes the connection between humanity and nature. The foundation's objective is to provide support to institutions, communities, and individuals who genuinely care about the region's future and actively create tangible value through their actions.
