Sailing solo is one of the most challenging and rewarding pursuits that a sailor can undertake. It requires skill, courage, endurance, and a passion for adventure. Throughout history, many sailors have embarked on solo voyages across the oceans, facing storms, pirates, loneliness, and danger.
Some of them have set records, some of them have made discoveries, and some of them have inspired generations.
Here are seven of the most epic solo voyages ever made by the most daring sailors who conquered the seas.
Joshua Slocum was a Canadian-American sailor who became the first person to sail solo around the world in 1895-1898. He sailed his 37-foot sloop, the Spray, for more than 46,000 miles, visiting various ports and islands along the way.
He faced many challenges, such as storms, hostile natives, and even a ghost, but he also enjoyed many adventures, such as meeting Robert Louis Stevenson, fishing with the president of Brazil, and receiving a letter from Queen Victoria.
He wrote a bestselling book about his voyage, titled Sailing Alone Around the World, which is considered a classic of travel literature.
Robin Knox-Johnston was a British sailor who became the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968-1969. He was one of the nine participants in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, a competition to achieve this feat.
He sailed his 32-foot ketch, the Suhaili, for more than 30,000 miles, passing through the five great capes of the Southern Ocean. He faced fierce storms, equipment failures, and isolation, but he also witnessed stunning scenery, wildlife, and stars.
He was the only one to finish the race, winning the prize money and becoming a national hero.
Naomi James was a New Zealand sailor who became the first woman to sail solo around the world via Cape Horn in 1977-1978. She sailed her 53-foot yacht, the Express Crusader, for more than 27,000 miles, breaking the previous record held by Sir Francis Chichester by two days. She faced gales, icebergs, and a knockdown, but she also enjoyed the beauty and solitude of the sea.
She received a huge welcome when she returned to England, where she was awarded the Damehood by Queen Elizabeth II.
Kay Cottee was an Australian sailor who became the first woman to sail solo non-stop and unassisted around the world in 1987-1988. She sailed her 37-foot yacht, the Blackmores First Lady, for more than 22,000 miles, following the same route as Robin Knox-Johnston. She faced cyclones, rogue waves, and a fire, but she also had the support of her sponsors, family, and friends via radio.
She raised money for charity and awareness for women's achievements. She received a huge welcome when she returned to Sydney, where she was awarded the Order of Australia.
Ellen MacArthur was a British sailor who became the fastest person to sail solo around the world in 2004-2005. She sailed her 75-foot trimaran, the B&Q/Castorama, for more than 26,000 miles, breaking the previous record held by Francis Joyon by more than a day. She faced extreme conditions, such as 70-knot winds, 50-foot waves, and sub-zero temperatures, but she also had the advantage of modern technology, such as satellite navigation, autopilot, and solar panels.
She completed the voyage in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes, and 33 seconds, becoming a global sensation.
Jessica Watson was an Australian sailor who became the youngest person to sail solo around the world in 2009-2010. She sailed her 34-foot yacht, the Ella's Pink Lady, for more than 23,000 miles, following the same route as Kay Cottee. She faced criticism, skepticism, and controversy, but she also had the determination, courage, and confidence to pursue her dream.
She completed the voyage at the age of 16 years and 362 days, becoming an inspiration for young people around the world.
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish activist who became the most influential solo sailor in 2019. She sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on a 60-foot racing yacht, the Malizia II, to attend the UN Climate Action Summit in New York.
She faced media attention, public opinion, and political pressure, but she also had the mission, vision, and passion to raise awareness and action for the climate crisis. She completed the voyage in 15 days, becoming a leader of the global environmental movement.
These are just some of the many solo sailors who have made history with their epic voyages. They have shown us the power of human spirit, the beauty of nature, and the adventure of sailing. They have also inspired us to follow our dreams, challenge ourselves, and explore the world.
If you are interested in learning more about these and other solo sailors, you can find books, documentaries, and podcasts about their stories. You can also find models of their ships, such as the 3D printed ship models from Premier Ship Models, a company that specializes in custom and ready-made ship models of all kinds. Whether you are a sailor, a collector, or a fan, you can enjoy the craftsmanship and detail of these models, and appreciate the achievements and legacy of these solo sailors.