Matt Rutherford and the first solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas

In 2011, Matt Rutherford set out to become the first person to ever sail around the Americas. He had a 40-year old, 27-foot long sailboat – the St. Brendan. As this was a solo voyage, he was alone. And as this was nonstop, he could not put into port, drop anchor, connect himself to another vessel, or beach the boat. This was all pretty amazing considering Rutherford’s troubled teen years – which included five felonies. 

Episodes

Matt Rutherford and the first solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas – Part 1

In part one of our series, we discuss the life of Matt Rutherford leading up to his voyage, plus the preparations for audacious undertaking. We then lead you through the most dangerous part of Rutherford’s voyage – the Northwest Passage.

Download this episode or listen online.

Matt Rutherford and the first solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas – Part 2

In part 2 of our series, Matt Rutherford sails his 40-year old, 27-foot long sailboat – the St. Brendan – south. There, he rounds the Cape Horn and heads home – dealing with storms, broken ribs, a near collision with a freighter, plus a boat that was slowly sinking.

Download this episode or listen online.

Matt Rutherford and the first solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas – Part 3 – Interview

In the final part of our series on Matt Rutherford, I conducted an extensive interview with the man – talking about his voyage, his life since the circumnavigation, and much, much more.

Download this episode or listen online.

Maps

This map is from the solotheamericas.com website – which chronicles Rutherford’s voyage. The route shown was the proposed route. It’s mostly accurate – but know that the route actually took Rutherford much further west – out in the Pacific – as well as further east in the Atlantic.

Resources

“Red Dot on the Ocean” – Documentary about Rutherford’s voyage.

Solo the Americas website. Chronicles Rutherford’s voyage. Includes photos and a map.

Ocean Research Project – The nonprofit Rutherford started after his voyage. The organization is dedicated to scientific exploration under sail in pursuit of the knowledge necessary to better understand human-induced stress on the Ocean.

Single-Handed Sailing Podcast – Matt Rutherford’s podcast.