Alan’s next sailing adventure was to sail around the world alone in the BOC Challenge, a single-handed yacht race. 27000 nautical miles of sailing in 4 stages Alan started the race in September 1994. Alan and 19 others sailed out of Charleston Harbour, in South Carolina USA and after 181 days at sea, Alan arrived back to see the lights of Charleston again after an epic voyage. Many times not knowing if he could but knowing inside that he would.  The complete story of the voyage is laid out in his book “Against All Odds”.

Alan raised the funds from multiple contributors and community support. Alan started building his Yacht,  “Newcastle Australia” with a huge step of faith and belief this would happen. Through many trials and tribulations, he built it. He sailed to the start line in South Carolina halfway around the world to begin his solo BOC Challenge Race arriving 1 ½ hour before the cut-off time. So I guess you could say he has sailed 1 and a half times around the world that year.

Alan didn’t win the race, he placed 4th, but won the hearts and respect of all who sailed with him in the race. Alan won two medals for seamanship. The first for saving the life of a fellow competitor and the second for sailing jury-rigged around Cape Horn.

Alan’s alternator died, his computer failed, he could not receive weather reports or fleet updates for several weeks, had to deal with 50-foot plus waves, cyclonic winds, snow, hail, being dismasted, losing a rudder, seas that rolled the boat over and over, surviving the doldrums and missing his wife and family for nine months of racing during preparation for the race and during the race.

I invited Alan into this podcast series because of all the people I know, Alan depicts someone for me who decided to plan a life he wants to live in. He is the most determined person I have ever met.

I enjoyed Part 2 of the discussion with Alan just as much as the first, I hope you enjoy as well.