Colm Walker

Colm Walker is entered in the 2026 Golden Globe Race. He was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico when we talked, on the way from San Diego to France via the Panama Canal. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, an Airborne Ranger and combat veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, and a lifelong waterman.

​His boat, Mo Chuisle ("My Pulse" in Irish), is a Tayana 37 cutter. He sails in support of veteran mental health, raising awareness for those still fighting unseen battles long after the guns have gone quiet.

For Colm, the Golden Globe Race is not an escape from life, but a commitment to it. It is a test of self-reliance, resilience, and surrender. A chance to show that stillness can be strength, and that sometimes, the way forward is to go alone.

We talk about Mexico, clearing in to Mexico, the benefits of traveling internationally, the passage from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta, boatyard woes, racing on a Swan, the feel of sailing his boat - a Tayana 37, the Hydrovane and the Raymarine qutopilots, a spinnaker-pole failure, how military experience is beneficial in sailing, PTSD, rites of passage, Taoism, why the Golden Globe Race is Important, moving from digital back to analog sailing, safety, physical and mental preparations for the race, the Wisdom Dojo, and more.

Photos and links are on the podcast shownotes page

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