Dublin man attempting to sail around the world alone with no modern technology
by Hayley Halpin 10 Feb 2018 19:23 UTC
Gregor McGuckin out at sea on his sailboat © Gregor McGuckin Racing
In just under 150 days, a Dublin native is setting out to become the first Irishman to sail solo around the world non-stop, using no modern technology.
Taking part in the Golden Globe Race in July, Gregor McGuckin, aged 31, will set sail from Les Sables D'Olonne, France in an attempt to survive 270 days alone at sea.
McGuckin will compete against 24 other sailors using just a compass, the moon and stars to guide him around the world.
Competitors are restricted to 1960s technology and won't be permitted to use GPS systems or any technology.
He will have food for nine months on board and will have to find ways to catch rainwater to drink.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie, McGuckin said that he has no major incentive for taking this major journey, and said that he sees it as his next step in his sailing life.
McGuckin began sailing during his time at college. From there, he went to England to secure qualifications to sail bigger boats and spent a number of years sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
Now, he said that this race is "the ultimate challenge".
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