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Disabled Man Is First To Sail Halfway Around The World Literally Single Handed

Disabled Man Is First To Sail Halfway Around The World Literally Single Handed

Go on, Keith.

Mel Ramsay

Mel Ramsay

A father-of-four has made history after becoming the first disabled person to sail halfway around the world single-handed - literally!

Keith White, 67, lost the use of one of his arms in a car accident back in 1991. However, this has not stopped him from completing the incredibly daunting task.

He set off on his solo voyage back in October 2015 and arrived back in England last week. The trip took him eight months, but allowed him to visit places such as Brazil, Sierra Leone and the Cayman Islands.

He's originally from the Isle of Wight, but set off from Dartmouth. The trip was an eye-watering 5,000 miles altogether.

He said: "It is quite an achievement. There were so many storms on the way back - I hit five major ones, all over force 10.

"Two were over force 12. This boat is the safest boat I have ever known though - I wasn't particularly worried.

"I did have a big fright at one stage when I ran out of tea bags though."

Originally, the trip was intended to be non-stop. However, he ran into some issues, including a gear failure. He paused at the Cayman Islands over winter before continuing his journey. Not a bad place to stop to be fair.


Credit: SWNS

He continued: "At times it was horrendous.

"It was the worst season the Atlantic had seen in a long time, I was told.

"In between the Bahamas I was just using a jib and sail and just after Bermuda the engine packed up. Not to mention all the storms.

"I didn't know where I was going to end up. It's all an adventure though.

"I was upset when I got back to the UK because the adventure was over but there was also a bit of relief. It's hard to explain."

Keith's been interested in sailing since he was just 16. The accident back in 1991 didn't hinder that passion as he was also the first disabled person to sail around Britain in 2005.

Not only did he do all this, but he funded the trip himself as he didn't have any sponsors.

What a legend.

Words by Mel Ramsay

Featured image credit: SWNS

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Topics: Disability