Back to Sustainability

Golden Globe Race

A non-stop, round-the-world competition which harks back to the golden age of solo sailing, this year’s Golden Globe Race will see 17 entrants single-handedly cross four oceans. Competitors include Simon Curwen, a British skipper and climate-change activist, who we are sponsoring as he takes on this unique challenge. Using recycled vessels and without modern technology, the race champions climate-conscious behaviour towards the environment, encouraging sailors to push their skills to the limit through traditional sailing. This focus on sustainability is echoed by Simon’s passion for the planet, which is an ethos we share in the way we run our business.

Sustainability stories

What is the Golden Globe Race?

Since its inaugural edition in 1968, the Golden Globe Race has become one of the most challenging non-stop sailing competitions, seeing entrants sail the world solo without modern technology.

Read More

What is the Golden Globe Race?

Departing from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, the race traverses the globe across the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern oceans before returning to its starting point. Entrants sail yachts similar to those available to Sir Robin Knox-Johnson when he set out on the first Golden Globe Race, forgoing modern-day equipment to test their skill, seamanship, and personal resolve. In the history of the race, only six sailors have successfully completed the 30,000-mile course, which is testament to the difficulty of this challenge.
Sustainable sailing at its core

In the spirit of retro sailing, competitors sailboats powered by renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. This sustainable approach aligns with our own goals for a greener business.

Read More

Sustainable sailing at its core

By recycling old boats and avoiding materials, like carbon, the Golden Globe Race is more sustainable than any other round-the-world challenge. Inspired by the golden age of solo sailing, the race prioritises human endeavour and adventure rather than winning at all costs. At Howdens, our goal is to become the UK’s leading kitchen and joinery business. As one of the UK’s leading kitchen and joinery businesses, we are working to become more sustainable through our net-zero plan, carbon-neutral manufacturing, waste reduction, and use of recycled materials. Sponsoring Simon as he embarks on the Golden Globe Race is a natural fit for us, as we both tackle climate-change head on.

Track the race's live progress

Simon CURWEN, British 2022 Golden Globe race skipper

All solo sailing is a challenge but the Golden Globe Race is different. It is a race like no other. Without modern equipment, it takes you back to classic sailing which is better for the environment. For me, this race gives me a newfound appreciation, and respect, for our planet's oceans.

About Simon Curwen

A passionate sailor and advocate for the planet, Simon Curwen has worked in environmental protection for 30 years, while also competing in sailing races across the globe.

Read More

About Simon Curwen

Simon’s achievements include winning the double-handed class in the Fastnet Race 2007 and being named runner-up to Dame Ellen MacArthur for Yachtsman of the Year 2001. In 1993, he founded a company that specialised in the clean-up of contaminated land. Simon continues to work as a consultant to FLI Group who later purchased the company and provide environmental solutions and services.
Simon's sustainable story

Simon’s environmental company investigated thousands of potentially contaminated sites and restored hundreds to beneficial use, following the effects of industry.

Read More

Simon's sustainable story

His experience in environmental protection and skill on the water makes Simon a model competitor for the Golden Globe Race. He uses this platform to raise awareness of climate change and the impact of modern life on the environment, while challenging his strength and resolve in one of the most difficult races in the world. Alongside his competitors, he demonstrates that human ingenuity and fortitude can achieve great things, which includes raising awareness of climate change and reducing our impact on the planet.

SImon Curwen, british 2022 golden globe race skipper

By definition, the boats that we are sailing are all recycled. My boat is 46 years old and this event gives it a new purpose. Our energy requirements for the race are also very modest. My energy will come from solar and hydro generation, which is one of the oldest renewable sources and uses the natural flow of water to generate power.

Sustainable partnerships

Establishing partnerships with sustainable organisations allows us to support those putting the planet first, share our learnings, and gain new insight from our collaborations.

Read More

Sustainable partnerships

Sustainability is central to our business, so partnering with Simon and other advocates of the environment helps us fulfil our value of being “worthwhile for all concerned”, including the environment. We are proud to have a sustainable product offering which is responsibly manufactured and sourced, and which meets the needs of our customers. Sustainable behaviour helps us continue to grow in a responsible way and includes working with partners whose values align with our own.
Our road to zero

While competitors in the Golden Globe Race sail refitted boats that harness renewable energy, we are working hard to reach zero emissions and zero waste across the business.

Read More

Our road to zero

Foregoing modern boats and technology ensure that emissions are kept to a minimum during the race. This approach mirrors our endeavours on our road to zero. We are developing company-wide targets that will allow us to halve emissions by 2030, which will play a crucial role in our overall goal to achieve net-zero by 2050. This goal is driven by the same passion for sustainability that motivates the organisers and entrants of the Golden Globe Race.

Learn more about sustainability at Howdens

rob black, director of esg at howdens

At Howdens, we want to do things the right way, and sustainability is the same. To be the UK's leading responsible kitchen and joinery business, we have to be worthwhile for all concerned, which includes the planet. That is why, our goal over the next few years is to find a pathway that eliminates emissions and waste across the entire business.