Sailing Alone: The Journey of Robin Lee Graham Becoming the Youngest to Circumnavigate the Globe
In July 1965, an extraordinary journey began as 16-year-old Robin Lee Graham set sail from San Pedro, California, on a 24-foot sloop named the Dove. The young sailor, who had been instilled with a love for the open ocean and sailing skills by his father, embarked on a 30,000-mile voyage around the globe.
Graham's first major challenge came during his stop at Fanning Island after leaving Hawaii. A squall broke the mast of the Dove, requiring repairs before he could continue his journey. Despite this setback, he pressed on, facing numerous storms and the deep solitude of the vast ocean.
One such storm, encountered after departing from Darwin, Australia, dismasted the Dove again. Graham had to sail over 2,600 miles under jury rig to Mauritius for repairs. Another storm, while crossing the Atlantic, forced him to make a stop at Ascension Island.
Throughout his journey, Graham demonstrated remarkable grit and resilience. He became the youngest person to sail around the world alone at the age of 19, a feat that garnered him worldwide attention. However, the impacts of this journey were not all positive. Graham faced isolation, depression, family and economic pressure, and the fallout of fame.
In January 1965, Graham and two other teens decided to sail from Honolulu to Lanai in a tiny aluminum boat. They were caught in a storm, an experience that tested their mettle and prepared them for the challenges ahead. After this adventure, Graham's father bought him a bigger boat, the Dove.
Graham spent the next year navigating through the South Pacific, stopping for weeks at a time in the New Hebrides, the Solomon Islands, and New Guinea. He met a woman named Patti Ratterree in Fiji, and they quickly fell in love. She followed him on his journey, meeting him at various ports along the route.
In October 1968, Graham and Patti were married in South Africa. Patti joined him on his journey across the Atlantic, providing much-needed companionship during the long voyage. Graham's final destination was Long Beach, California, where he anchored the Return of Dove on April 30, 1970, completing his historic journey.
[1] [Source 1] [3] [Source 3]
[1] Despite the success and attention garnered from his remarkable voyage around the globe, Graham's love for adventure didn't end with sailing. He found thrill in a different realm and was known to attend grand-prix racing events and auto-racing competitions.
[2] Their shared love for travel led Graham and Patti to embark on road trips across the United States, exploring the history of various cities and towns they visited. They documented their experiences in articles and books, sharing their passion for discovery with others.
[3] After settling down, Graham and Patti often spoke of their dreams of founding a school that integrated sailing, history, and sports, creating an educational program that encouraged exploration, resilience, and teamwork. They believed this unique approach would inspire future generations to embrace adventure and pursue their passions.
