The world’s first triple amputee to attempt sailing solo, non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean departs on his record-breaking voyage this week.
Craig Wood, 33-year-old former Army rifleman from Doncaster, will be sailing 6,000 nautical miles from La Paz in Mexico to Yokohama in Japan.
The gruelling maritime expedition is predicted to take up to 80 days.
On his way, Craig will likely 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.
Craig lost both legs and his left hand in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2009. His face was also ravaged by shrapnel. Waking up 14 days later from an induced coma, nothing would ever be the same again.
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 as a triple-amputee, he returned to the hobby his father had shared with him as a child on their family trips to Bridlington - sailing.
Sailing took Craig from the darkness into the light, and he wants to inspire people who have suffered trauma through his expedition.
Craig is 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 that supported his recovery: Blesma and Turn to Starboard.
For further information visit https://www.craigwoodsails.com/
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