Of the many sayings we hear throughout our lives
That give us inspiration to step out of our comfort zone
And try new things .
I think the one that suits me best is,
"you're never more alive than when your nearly dead"
Coming from a humble background in Manchester, England
Mount Everest was never part of the equation in the early days.
But after a not so successful stint at grammar school
I found myself in the British Army
Eventually serving with the special forces in 23 SAS.
This cemented my love for the outdoors.
And gave me a lot of the skills required
To navigate and survive in the mountains .
I discovered that pushing myself to my limits.
Both mentally and physically was what I enjoyed.
So mountaineering it was that ticked all the boxes.
After many climbs
Denali in Alaska , the Matterhorn, the Eiger,
Mont Blanc, Ama Dablam and Island peak.
To name a few
And a few courses in Canada and New Zealand.
Everest did creep into the equation.
And in 2011 I stood on top of the world for the first time ...
But as usual that wasn't enough
I had to try without supplemental oxygen.
And in 2013 Imade that attempt ...
I stood on the summit again but I had used oxygen.
So its still on the endless list
In 2016 I stood on the top for a third time.
Having guided two people to the summit for Adventures Global.
One of the Everest guiding companies.
While all this was going on
And trying to hold down my job as a Firefighter.
A friend of mine sent me an email saying this is for you.
" The Golden Globe race 2018 "
A re-creation of the first ever around the world yacht race ...
A solo , non stop , unassisted circumnavigation of the globe.
Using celestial navigation only .
Through some of the most treacherous seas on the planet.
And without modern technology !!
So of course he knew I would bite
And here I am preparing for the Golden Globe Race 2018 ...
I have been sailing for five years
But this is way out of my depth but that's how I like it .......
" Your never more alive than when your nearly dead"
To put it in perspective.
More people summit Mount Everest in one season
Than have ever circumnavigated the Globe
Solo non stop and unassisted !!
Expedition organising has become my passion
And having recently become an Ambassador for
Macpac Outdoor Clothing and Equipment
I'm excited about the future.
I've found that inspiring people.
And helping them achieve their dreams
Is just as satisfying as achieving my own ...
I'm always planning the next adventure.....
Which is 29000ft up and 29000miles around
A summit of Mount Everest followed by the GGR
All within one year
The hard work is about to start ...
Having sailed my Tradewind from Sydney to Perth
She's out on the hard stand
Awaiting as big a refit as I can afford .
The plan is to have her tried and tested before January.
Then ship her to the UK ready for the start in June .
I will attempt Everest in April/May
Start the race in June and hopefully finish March 2019 or before
While the boat is being prepared
It's important for me to prepare mentally ..
In the mountains it's as mental as physical.
But in the case of the GGR it's more about your mental strength !
To be alone for 9 months at sea is as hard as it gets ....
My sailing experience compared to the other contestants,.
Is somewhat lacking
But my ability to endure the elements is as strong as ever !
I'm hoping this is what will get me through