Record attempt - Triple amputee Brit wants to sail across the Pacific alone
A former British soldier who lost both legs and one hand in Afghanistan is planning to be the first triple amputee to sail solo across the Pacific Ocean.
With his 12.5 meter long catamaran, Craig Wood intends to sail from Mexico to Japan, ideally without making any stops. The approximately 11,000 kilometer long journey will be completed by the 33-year-old from the English county of South Yorkshire in 80 days. The trip is scheduled to begin between January and March 2025.
He lost both legs and his left hand when he was 18 years old.
Wood told the British Press Association that he wants to change people's perception of what is possible for disabled people with this record attempt. He also aims to raise 50,000 pounds (approximately 59,000 Euro) for organizations that support injured soldiers in action.
The father of two children was injured as an 18-year-old soldier in Afghanistan by a landmine. He lost both legs and his left hand. He spent two weeks in an artificial coma. After initial despair, he regained courage.
Wood sailed with his father as a young boy over the sea. After the accident, this hobby helped him find meaning in life again. He now lives with his wife and children on his boat in what he describes as a "nomadic lifestyle," as written on a fundraising website.
- Craig Wood, a former British soldier from South Yorkshire, is planning a record attempt to become the first triple amputee to sail solo across the Pacific Ocean, from Mexico to Japan.
- Despite having lost both legs and one hand when he was 18 in Afghanistan, Wood hopes to complete the approximately 11,000-kilometer journey without any stops, ideally within 80 days.
- Motivated by changing people's perception of what's possible for disabled individuals and raising funds for injured soldiers, Wood aims to sail this record-breaking trip around 2025.
- Recalling his childhood, Wood enjoyed sailing with his father on the sea, which became a source of inspiration and a means to find purpose in life after his accident.
- Currently living a "nomadic lifestyle" with his family on his boat, Wood's story has inspired many people in Great Britain and even attracted the attention of the Japanese media, reflecting his appeal beyond the borders of his home country.
