Former soldier Craig Wood is a triple-amputee who, in early 2025, is taking on a record breaking solo and unsupported sail from Mexico to Japan.
AAS: What is it about sailing that appeals to you?
CW: It is my happy place; it provides a lifestyle I can excel at and grow skills in.
AAS: You live on your boat with your family; what made you decide to live onboard?
CW: I wanted to travel around the world, so it was a logical choice to live onboard as we also love the lifestyle.
AAS: Why did you decide to take on this challenge?
CW: I want to show people sailing is a sport that does not discriminate against disability. Sailing across the largest ocean is difficult for anyone, not just an amputee, and in completing this challenge I hope I can change people’s view on what is possible for disabled people.
AAS: Can you tell us about the boat you will be using? What adaptations have been made to it?
CW: It is a custom built 41ft aluminium catamaran by Alujet. Adaptions are minimal but very necessary such as all running rigging back to the cockpit, very good non slip paint, hand holds on high traffic areas…
AAS: From Mexico to Japan is 6,000nm; how long are you expecting the voyage to take?
CW: I am hoping 60 days, but it could take up to 80.
AAS: What will the biggest challenges be?
CW: Missing my partner and kids will be the most difficult by far, then mental – keeping my mind busy and occupied. If I encounter any storms, then that will be very difficult.
AAS: Your story is inspirational. What is the key message you would like to share with our readers?
CW: Life is like sailing – sometimes smooth, sometimes rough and sometimes becalmed. As sailors we do not just set and forget, we constantly manage trim and ease or adjust course. So when life throws you a storm adjust course, set your sails correctly and overcome the adversity.
AAS: Can you tell us about the charities you are raising money for and how readers can support you?
CW: I am raising money for Blesma – The Limbless Veterans who have been instrumental in my recovery since day one of injury. I am very grateful to have them support me and now it is my turn to give back. The other charity is Turn to Starboard, a veterans’ charity that helps those who want to gain sailing skills or qualifications. They have a base in Falmouth Harbour and are very good at teaching; I recently passed my Yachtmaster with them and I hold a dear love for what they do.
AAS: What will you miss most whilst at sea (and what luxuries are you taking)?
CW: As said, I will miss my wife and kids. I will be taking a soda stream and coffee machine, other than that just lots of different foods so I do not miss eating well.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The journey will be filmed for a post-sail documentary, with live video updates and regular vlogs broadcast on Craig’s YouTube channel: @CraigWoodSails
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/craigwoodsails | www.turntostarboard.co.uk | www.blesma.org
