Amputee on Course for Solo Sailing Record Bid

Triple amputee Craig Wood has completed a quarter of his world record breaking pacific sailing challenge.

The 33-year-old former Army rifleman from Doncaster, who is sailing 7,000 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean, is making good progress, with well over 1750 nautical miles already in his wake.

Craig set off from La Paz in Mexico on March 25 on his gruelling expedition to Osaka in Japan, which is predicted to take up to 80 days. 

He is likely to face waves as tall as two double decker buses; tropical storms; hidden atolls (coral reefs) that could puncture the boat’s hull and fishing fleets off the coast of Japan - all whilst managing the additional challenges associated with his injuries.

“I’m heading south which means I’m coming into nicer weather and the sun’s out,” said Craig in a recent update.   

“I’m eating and sleeping well. It’s been a good week. I’ve not seen any wildlife for four or five days, so I know I am really far away from land. I’m doing a bit of fishing and getting into the swing of things.

“I’m really enjoying myself and I can’t really ask for more.”

Craig lost both legs and his left hand in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2009.

It took eight months for Craig to learn to walk again and four-and-a-half years of rehabilitation work at the dedicated Headley Court facility in Surrey to improve his quality of life.  

Back home he returned to the hobby his father had shared with him as a child on their family trips to Bridlington, sailing, and became the world’s first triple amputee to achieve a Yachtmaster status – the pinnacle of yachting qualifications. 

Through his record-breaking trip, Craig is aiming to raise £50k for two charities, Blesma and Turn to Starboard. To donate and to find out more visit https://www.craigwoodsails.com/

Photo Credit: GD Media