The Class Globe 5.80 Association is supported and underwritten by McIntyre Adventure and is owned and managed by the Australia company Ocean Frontiers Pty Ltd (represented by Don McIntyre).

Aims and Objectives

• To establish, promote and manage a 5.80m one-design-class plywood yacht, that is a safe, simple, exciting and fun to sail, versatile, ocean voyaging yacht, that anyone can build with low environmental impact and cost.
• To support National Class Globe 5.80 Associations (CG5.80A) around the world with three or more yachts, encouraging new builders and creating local events at club, offshore and ocean level.
• To organise and manage a responsible risk-mitigated, trade-wind route, solo MINI GLOBE RACE 2025 for those who dare to participate.  

Organisation – Association Structure

The CG5.80 organisation was originally planned to become an Association directed by a board, initially appointed by Don McIntyre consisting of a Chairman, and up to three board members. Don McIntyre would hold the position of Chairman of the Board until at least November 2027. After watching the ALMA 580 class grow over the first five years, with substantial financial support by McIntyre Adventure and the responsibilities involved to professionally manage both the brand and to support builders, it is clear that considerable commercial backing, direction and work remains critical for the future success of the 580 class and builders investing in it. On that basis, it is counter productive to establish an international 580 International Class Association to take over the operation and running of the ALMA 580 class in 2027. This means that the ALMA CLASS GLOBE 580 runs as an organisation backed and funded by McIntyre Adventure. The issue of forming a 580 International Association will be considered in the future, if and when it looks possible for Don & Jane to pass over the responsibility to an independent board. For now that is clearly NOT possible. 

The focus of establishing National 580 Associations to further the progress and popularity of the ALMA Globe 580 around the world, as a fun and adventurous one design racing class is important and a very real focus. For now we hope to have GERMAN, SPANISH, AUSTRALIAN, BRITISH and CHINESE ALMA 580 CLASS Associations established by 2026. They will be run by volunteers once at least three 580’s are sailing in that country.

Each National Association will appoint, by popular vote at an annual meeting, a 580 Class Director of that National Association and that person is the authorised contact point for the ALMA Class Globe 5.80 Organisation.