Triple amputee becomes first to complete solo Pacific sail
A former soldier has become the first triple amputee to sail solo, non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean.Craig Wood, 33, from Doncaster, arrived at Hiroshima in Japan at 01:00 BST on Tuesday, 90 days after leaving Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.He said he hoped to show anyone living as an amputee that "you can achieve any goal you set out to - there are no limits".He added: "I'm exhausted - but so proud to complete an expedition that many thought impossible."
"It has tested me and my boat, Sirius II, almost to the limit, but I tried to stay in the moment, focus on my goal and the thought of seeing my wife and children at the end spurred me on," Mr Wood said."We are expecting our third child so I am so excited to get back to them all and start this new chapter together."
Mr Wood completed 7,506 nautical miles at an average speed of 3.6 knots, facing unpredictable weather, sleep deprivation and isolation, as well as challenges associated with his injuries.During the challenge he found time to cultivate a tomato plant and make pies, pizza and bread from scratch with one hand.He said: "Recently I broke my prosthetic arm leaving me one-handed, which is nothing I haven't had to deal with previously but it has made things a bit more difficult while sailing."However, I've found the whole thing to be a spiritual experience that has made me even more appreciative of the life I have been able to create for myself after everything that happened to me."It's still my hope that by achieving this world record I can change the perception of disability, and show how sailing can transform the lives of those affected by trauma."Mr Wood was raising money for Blesma, which supports limbless veterans and Turn to Starboard, which helps members of the armed forces to readjust to civilian life.The former rifleman was posted to Afghanistan shortly after his 18th birthday, but three months later he lost both legs and his left hand in a blast from an improvised explosive device.Mr Wood normally lives on his boat, Sirius II, with his wife, Renata, and their two young children.
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