The Skipper
Sailing Experience
Approx. 6,000 nm.
Why the GGR?
I have wanted to solo sail around the world for as long as I can remember. I was visiting with my mum in
New Zealand last month (where I went to Intermediate and High School) and found my dog-eared copy of Sir Francis Chichester’s “Gipsy Moth Circles The World” which I took as a further sign to act. After helping to raise two children, retiring from a 29 year career in the US Navy in 2015, and buying the perfect boat for the sailing Luddite that I am, I nearly signed up for GGR 2022. The stars and my competitive nature seem aligned for GGR 2026.
Best and worst aspects
Best: sailing offshore, largely disconnected from the greater world and being able to push the boat while
secure in the knowledge that the GGR race organisation has your back.
Worst: AIS has spoiled me. I will miss having that situational awareness when crossing shipping lanes. But at least I will be transmitting, right?
The Boat
Links
Facebook: www.facebook.com/matt.woodside/
